Jean Francis Scarff Leichty of Wayland entered into the presence of her Savior on February 27, 2026, at the age of 94.
Funeral Services have been set for 10:30 AM, Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Independent Bible Church in Wayland. The service will be live-streamed on the Beatty-Peterseim Funeral Home Facebook page and YouTube Chanel Burial will follow at the Bethel Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3-7:00 PM, Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Independent Bible Church in Wayland. Memorials in the name of Jean may be designated to the Independent Bible Church.
She was born on September 28, 1931, in Mount Pleasant to Jesse Emil Scarff and Inez Gail (Bishop) Scarff. On November 5, 1950, she married Edwin C. Leichty at Bethel Mennonite Church, beginning a partnership that would span 74 devoted years.
Together Jean and Ed raised six children: Sidney, Barry, Nancy, Nanette, Scott, and Lisa. In 1968, at the age of 36, Jean accepted Christ as her Savior after hearing evangelist Mike Cocoris speak at Independent Bible Church. Soon after, she and Ed were baptized at Lake Darling, publicly affirming the faith that would anchor the rest of her life.
Jean’s first job was as a secretary at Nicholls Oil and Motor, a position that proved life changing. One day a young man named Ed walked in to purchase a ’98 Oldsmobile, and Jean processed the title paperwork. He asked her on a date. The rest was history. During their courtship Jean accidentally wrecked that very Oldsmobile. In a video recorded shortly before his passing, she fondly recalled that Ed “never got that mad,” and true to form, he simply said he “treated her good.” It became part of their family folklore, proof that grace can begin even with a crumpled fender.
In many ways, Ed and Jean were their family’s version of Priscilla and Aquila. They served side by side for decades. Ed often made the invitations, extending welcome with a handshake and a smile. Jean created the magic behind the scenes, preparing meals, organizing details, and ensuring that hospitality felt effortless. Together, they ministered not only through words, but through open doors and full tables.
For much of her adult life, Jean worked faithfully behind the scenes of Ed’s businesses, keeping invoices written, payments organized, and the household running with steady precision. She could stretch a dollar until it nearly asked for mercy. She led the family in canning corn and green beans year after year, turning summer harvests into neatly labeled rows of provision for winter. She taught her grandchildren how to embroider and sew, passing down both skill and patience, stitch by careful stitch.
Her most treasured calling was that of mother and grandmother. She maintained a home that was orderly yet welcoming. She mowed the yard, attended concerts and ball games, drove to swimming lessons, Vacation Bible School, and dance classes, and rarely missed a school event. Mornings began early with homemade breakfasts and devotions, sending each child out the door nourished in body and spirit. If you were especially fortunate, like her grandson Reid, your coffee cup might even be prewarmed, because details mattered to Jean.
Grandma Jean was also known for her love of Scrabble. Playing with her required both a dictionary and a careful eye. Family members learned to admire her impressive vocabulary while keeping a friendly watch on the board, just in case an especially creative word needed gentle verification. She played to win, but always with a twinkle.
She was equally well known for her succinct and steady advice. When plans began to drift or stories grew suspiciously elaborate, her counsel was ready: “Stick to the original plan!” and “Stick to the facts!” It was practical wisdom that served her family well in everything from road trips to lively discussions.
Jean would not wish this to be a time defined by sorrow. She longed to see the Lord she faithfully served, and her greatest desire was that others would know the same joy and peace she found in her personal relationship with Christ.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Cynthia, Thelma, and Karole; her beloved husband, Ed; her daughter Lisa England; her grandson Aaron Brown; and her great grandson Jeremiah Keatts.
She is survived by her children: Sidney Leichty; Barry (Joanie) Leichty; Nancy (Barry) Sellergren; Nanette (Ken) Brown; Scott (Kim) Leichty; and son in law Todd England.
She is also survived by her grandchildren: Faith Leichty; Hilary (Joshua) Keatts; Nate (Lindsey) Sellergren; Brooke (Jeremy) Carter; Sara (Donovan) Yoder; Reid (Jessie) Leichty; Eric Brown; Tyler (Jessica) Leichty; Katlin Leichty; Hunter (Katelyn) England; and Lauren England, along with ten great grandchildren and many dearly loved nieces and nephews.
Jean’s life was marked by quiet strength, steadfast faith, capable hands, and a love expressed in steady service. Her legacy lives on in the generations she shaped, the faith she shared, the gardens she preserved in glass jars, and the well played Scrabble games that will never quite be the same without her.