Leanna Darling Coats Shafer

Leanna Darling Coats Shafer died July 24, 2026 at her home surrounded by her husband, John and sisters in Christ Gloria Guthrie and Lois McNeely from Missouri. Born October 29, 1955, Leanna was the daughter of Peter and Martha Darling and born in Houston Texas. Their children were Rusty, Janie, Hal and Leanna. She was preceded in death by her brothers Rusty and Hal. They soon moved to Nashville, Arkansas where she attended the public school. Upon graduation from High School in 1973 she went to Southern Arkansas University where she majored in Math and graduated with a teaching degree. She later was a substitute teacher. Later in life she worked as an assistant store manager for McDonald's. Upon moving to Mount Sterling Kentucky she went to work for Enterprise Rental Car. Leanna married Charles Coats on June 27, 1975. Charles passed in 2014. The first of two boys was born in 1977, Brandon who later married Leah Allen in 2002. The second boy, Benjamin was born in July 18, 1979 who later married Sarah Armstrong in 2006. Grandchildren Eli, Emma, Abe and Amos and Sophie, Max and Molly. Leanna went on many missionary trips including Jamaica, Singapore, Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico, India and numerous state side mission trips. She loved art, crafts, sewing, reading, playing piano, home decor (Hobby Lobby). She especially enjoyed teaching the bible to women and children. Leanna also enjoyed teaching women's Bible Class online for the Four Seasons Bible School in Singapore. Other things she was active in was traveling, cooking, and entertaining. She loved making and sending homemade cards for all occasions and especially sharing the gospel with others. In 2022 after being a widow for 8 years she married John Shafer in March and moved to Nebraska. Leanna was well loved by brethren throughout the world. Leanna was a faithful member of the church of Christ. She loved God, His word and the church family. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home. Interment and additional services will be held in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. Memorials are suggested to the Church of Christ Missions, P.O. Box 643 Kearney, NE 68848. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.

Leanna Darling Coats Shafer

October 29, 1955 - July 24, 2026