"Chad and family: I\'m so sorry for your loss. Leslie was an accomplished wife, mother and member of our community. This city will miss her contributions, but only time and God can lessen your hurt. I hope you find peace and comfort from your friends and others who knew Leslie. Peace."
In loving memory of
Leslie Schexnayder
Leslie (Beechler) Schexnayder, 56, of Phoenix, AZ died at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, December 18, 2015 at Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, AZ. Leslie was born February 13, 1959 in Springfield, Illinois, the daughter of John and Hazel Pollman Beechler. She married Chad Schexnayder on October 6, 1984 in Springfield. Leslie was interred in a green burial, to return to the earth, in Springfield, on December 30, 2015. Leslie was a graduate of Springfield High School and earned her bachelor's degree from Washington University at St. Louis. She then went on to earn her master's degree from Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management. Leslie worked for the Governor's Office of the State of Illinois and Honeywell in Phoenix, Arizona. Leslie applied her substantial talents to everything she touched, and in so doing left an indelible mark on the Central Phoenix community. Leslie served as board member or president of numerous organizations, including CrossRoads PreSchool, the Parent Teacher organizations at Madison Simis Elementary, Madison Meadows Middle School, and Sunnyslope High School. Leslie became a master gardener, after which she founded and constructed a primary school gardening program at Simis in which thousands of children have since participated. She consulted and assisted in the establishment of other school and community gardens. She has received national and local recognition for her efforts in serving and improving her community. She was preceded in death by her father. She is survived by her husband, Chad Schexnayder of Phoenix, AZ; sons, David (wife, Ashleigh) Schexnayder of Phoenix, AZ; Nathan Schexnayder (Carlee McKay) of Scottsdale, AZ; and Adam Schexnayder of Phoenix, AZ; two grandchildren, Christian and Elizabeth Grace; cousins Heather (Keith) Gerding and Kurt (Michelle) Kelso; and mother, Hazel (Bob) Steskal of Springfield. Memorial Service: We will celebrate Leslie's life at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2015 at Hansen Chapel, 8314 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020. Memorial contributions may be made to: DIGGS, Madison Simis Elementary School, 7302 N. 10th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020.
Tributes
"I still can\'t believe we won\'t have another conversation, another lunch, another afternoon of giggling over so many things. I stare at your number, wanting to call you. I\'m so freaken sad but so grateful for your visit the other night. I know it was you. I love you. We will always be connected my dearest friend. Send your family strength and courage. They are hurting. They and I, loved you so. jeannie"
"I am so sorry that I will not be able to attend the service scheduled January 5, but my deepest sympathy to all the family. I was privileged to attend her union to Chad, my nephew, and what a beautiful celebration. Chad I know how much she will be missed but remember she is now returning to God. She is now safe in His arms and Kingdom. My prayers go out to all the family and blessings upon all of you. Love you all. Aunt Dolores"
"Our family has been in Europe since 12/15, and I have just read about Leslie\'s passing. Please know, Chad, David, Nathan and Adam that we are sorry for your loss, as well as our own sense of loss. I have known your family since Nathan and Rachel were in pre-school and have admired Leslie for so many reasons. She was an amazing person, and we are better for having known her. We are traveling back to Phoenix on 1/5 so will be unable to attend the service. We hold you all in our hearts during this time. Linda, Gary, and Rachel."