Leah Evelyn Richmond Schaefer

Leah Evelyn Richmond Schaefer died at home on Sunday, November 9, 2025 in Fort Smith, AR.

She was born April 6, 1934 in Witcherville, Arkansas, to Arra Ava (Cross) and Edgar Herman “Bill” Richmond. She graduated from Mansfield High School with the class of 1952, having completed her studies at mid-term and ranked fourth in her graduating class. In high school she was a member of the Beta Club and Future Homemakers Club.

Upon graduation from high school, she worked for the Department of Justice in Washington, D. C. for approximately one year. She returned to Arkansas and began working for the Arkansas Medical Society in late November 1952. She was Associate Executive Vice President when she left that organization in 1986. She joined the Area Health Education Center of Fort Smith, a part of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, later that year and retired there in 1997 as educational coordinator.

She was an Affiliate Member of the American Medical Association, an Emeritus Member of the American Society of Medical Society Executives, a former member of the American Society of Association Executives, member of the Republican Party of Arkansas, and the National Republican Party, a Life Member of the Heritage Foundation, a member of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society Auxiliary and a member of the Fianna Hills Garden Club.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul C. Schaefer; her parents; her brother, Harrell; her sisters, Sybil Patterson, Billie Thomas, and Louise Marrs.

She is survived by her sister, Aline Davis (and Jim) of Fort Smith; nieces, Patti Andrews (and Rick) of Muldrow, Debbie Southerland of Fort Smith, Ava Nell Jackson (and Kenny) of Hot Springs, Cindy Crawford (and Benny) of Hollis, Leah Keele (and Garry) of Tulsa, Tina Ward (and Jeff) of Pensacola, FL; nephews, Dennis Patterson of Muldrow, Tim Thomas (and Jill) of Atlanta, GA, Donnie Thomas (and Cammie) of Texarkana, Michael Marrs and (Keitha) of Temple, TX, and numerous great nieces and great nephews.

Visitation will be Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 5 – 7 PM at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 North 12th Street, in Fort Smith.

Funeral Service will be 2:00 PM Thursday, November 13, 2025 in Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow at Lovelace Cemetery in Witcherville, AR. Directions are: Turn right off of U. S. 71 South just past the cement business.

Pallbearers will be: Jeremy Southerland, B. J. Andrews, Dennis Patterson, Mike Marrs, Rick Andrews, Kenny Jackson, Benny Crawford, and Brandon Crawford.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Tim Thomas, Donnie Thomas, Ronnie Richmond, Jarrod Taylor, Gary Schaefer, Zack Schaefer, Heath Thomas, Corey Thomas, David Cox, and J. R. Cox.

Online condolences may be sent to, www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.