Leah Gertrude Whetsel
Leah Gertrude Whetsel (nee Karshner), 95, of Delaware passed away on Sunday (Oct. 7, 2012).
Leah graduated from Powell High School, class of 1934. Leah and William were married in May of 1940 in Mount Gilead. Leah and her husband owned and operated the Red and White Grocery Store at 236 W. Central Ave. in Delaware from 1948 to 1991. She was best known for selling pretzel rods for a penny from behind the counter and hanging pictures on the cash register from everyone in the community. People knew her as Leah, Mrs. Whetsel and Gaga. She had many roles in life, some of which were cashier, neighbor, friend, mother, aunt, sis and grandmother. She always welcomed the chance to rock a baby to sleep or enjoy a Cincinnati Reds baseball game. Leah devoted her life to her family. She spent many hours cooking family dinners that always included multiple desserts.
She was born Oct. 29, 1916, in Franklin County to William Alfred Karshner and Minnie Estelle Grace who preceded her in death as well as her twin brother, Leo Karshner; older brother, Ivan; husband, William Parks Whetsel Junior; and their daughter, Diana Marie O’Keefe.
She is survived by three grandchildren, Elizabeth O’Keefe (Misha Radovanovic), Rebecca O’Keefe Shorter (Dan Shorter) and William O’Keefe (Valerie O’Keefe); and great-grandchildren, Merrick, Aleksandar, Eli, Margo, Leo and Luka.
Arrangements have been made at Robinson Funeral Home in Delaware. Calling hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today, Oct. 9. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, with graveside memorial immediately following.
Condolences may be expressed at robinsonfuneralhomeinc.com. Donations may be made to People in Need of Delaware, P.O. Box 962, Delaware, OH 43015.







