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LEAH
CANFIELD Not much has ever slowed Leah Canfield down . She became a pretty familiar local personality while working at the county courthouse for 24 years, serving as county treasurer for 14 before retirement in 1981. And since then, at the spry young age of 86, Leah continues to be a model of living life to the fullest. Early each year she emerges to work in her yard among fragrant lilacs, colorful iris, and other spring beauties. Then continually, throughout the summer and fall, her small silhouette, bedecked in a trademark gardening bonnet, is a familiar beacon of friendliness, waving to all who pass by as she tends her large vegetable garden. Leah also shares her life, friendship, and faith, by volunteering for her church. This missionary work, including teaching the Bible at the Labette County Jail, spans a more than 25-year period, and has provided a beacon of hope to many. One thing, however, was able to interrupt Leah's busy schedule health issues. "I had a couple of spots -- basil cell skin cancer. It's probably the best kind to have IF you have to have cancer. I had biopsies and a surgery. I'm more careful to use sunscreen and wear light colored clothing covering especially my arms and legs and shading my face." Then last May she suffered a heart attack and was taken to Joplin for treatment. But Leah also took that challenge in stride and chose to follow the initial good care with the excellent rehab program offered through the Labette Health Cardiac Rehabilitation Department. "I looked at several places to go and one of the best I saw was Labette Health. I think they have a good staff, and I was able to drive myself there for the treatments and not worry about the busy traffic in Joplin. I've learned to keep active, but not so over active to get too tired. You just have to place your faith in God and prayer, count your Blessings, and live positive." |
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