Leesa Ann Gleaton
July 7, 1957 – December 17, 2024

Leesa Ann Gleaton, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2024, at the age of 67 after an 11-year battle with a rare kind of Alzheimer’s called Benson’s Syndrome. She was the loving wife of Larry Gleaton for 50 years, and a proud mother to three sons — Jacob (Jessica), Justin, and Brant (Tawny) — whom she cherished with all her heart. Her family was everything to her, and she found joy in being surrounded by her grandchildren: Brooklynn, Branson, Baylor, Alexis, Jason and Aubrey.

Born on January 30, 1957, in Corning, California to Jack and Jessie Martin, Leesa grew up with a deep love for adventure and the great outdoors. She was the third of five children, with three sisters — Cindy (Denny), Yvonne (Steve) and Jeanne (Orin) — and a brother, Tony. Together, they shared a bond that was strong and everlasting, and Leesa’s love for her family was unconditional.

Leesa’s passions were many. She loved the ocean and could often be found near its waves, even though she had a particularly humorous relationship with the infamous sneaker waves. She would always remind her sons to respect and appreciate the ocean for both its beauty and danger. Constantly repeating the warning to not turn your back on the ocean. She found peace in the rhythm of the ocean, and her love for it was contagious, as she shared her joy for coastal walks with family and friends. It wasn’t unusual for her to spend hours at the beach, enjoying the water and watching the tides.

In addition to her love for the ocean, Leesa was a true outdoor enthusiast. She enjoyed camping and swimming in rivers, lakes, pools and oceans, and her physical energy was boundless. On one outdoor adventure, Leesa went aboloning at Shelter Cove where she found an impressive 7-gram pearl in one of her abalones. You could always find Leesa running, working out, or going on long hikes, her commitment to staying active and healthy reflected her inner strength. She lived with vitality and grace, always encouraging those around her to do the same.

Leesa’s adventurous spirit also led her to travel widely, visiting many beautiful destinations such as Hawaii, Mexico, the Bahamas and Las Vegas, where she often found herself exploring new cultures and relaxing with loved ones. But no matter where she went, her favorite place to be was with family, especially during the holidays and family gatherings. She was always thrilled to visit her children and grandchildren, finding joy in watching them grow and sharing in their milestones.

After graduating from the College of the Redwoods with her Associate in Science. Leesa began a 27-year career in the medical field starting as a medical assistant and working her way up to office manager. She found the most satisfaction in working with patients daily, but her drive to seek new challenges led her to management.

Leesa was a loving daughter to Jack and Jessie Martin, who preceded her in death. She was also a cherished sister, aunt and friend to many. Her vibrant personality, infectious laugh and kind heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Leesa’s legacy of love, laughter and adventure will live on through her family, who will continue to honor her memory by embracing life with the same zest and joy that she did. A celebration of Leesa’s life will be held on Sunday, March 9, 2025, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Fortuna Monday Club, her family invites those who knew and loved her to join them in remembering the incredible woman she was.

In place of flowers, donations may be made in Leesa’s honor to her favorite charity, supporting youth sports and outdoor recreation programs.

Rest in peace, Leesa. Your waves of love will continue to ripple through the hearts of those you touched.