Decatur – Lelah Scrimpsher Jeter, 93, of Decatur passed away in Decatur, IL at 12:15 p.m., April 16, 2011.
In keeping with Lelah’s wishes, there will be no services, she will be cremated and interred at Garver Brick Church Cemetery. Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, 229 W. Main St., Decatur, IL 62523 or Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com.
Lelah was born in Wayne County, IL, the daughter of Caleb and Fanny (Newton) Galligar. Lelah lived most of her life in Decatur, IL graduating from Decatur High School in 1936 and Cum Laude from Millikin University in 1940. In 1956 she began a 25 year teaching career in the Decatur Public Schools, primarily 5th grade at E.J. Muffley Elementary School, and retiring in 1981. She married John Scrimpsher on October 31, 1937. He preceded her in death on March 23, 1972. She later married Harold Jeter, her high school and college classmate and long time friend on March 1, 1986. She was an avid bowler, enjoyed gardening, watching birds and wildlife, traveling and playing cards.
Surviving is her husband Harold, of Decatur, son: J. Ray Scrimpsher and his wife Judy of Decatur; daughter: Laura Rogers and her husband Robert of Gills Rock, WI; grandchildren: Eric Scrimpsher and Lori Williams of Decatur and Jennifer Woodward and her husband David of Bloomington, IL; great-grandchildren: Madeline and Andrew Woodward, both of Bloomington, IL.
Lelah was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Gladys Galligar and her husband Theodore Sperry, Mildred Dewey and her husband Francis, I. Max Galligar and his wife Julia, George Galligar and his wife Ellen, and N. Ray Galligar and his wife Artys.
The family would like to thank Dr. Franklin, Dr. Khan, Michelle Wright, RN NP, and the staff at DMH, Primrose Assisted Living and Heartland Manor Care for all their care and compassion.
