Lea Ann Bucher

(Oct. 27, 1954 - Sept. 23, 2021)

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Lea Ann (Russell) Bucher, 66, of Powell, passed away Sept. 23, 2021. Lea Ann, a life-long adventurous soul and free spirit, is survived by her sons, Russ Hiatt and MaLessa Jensen; grandson Dawson, all of Powell; Randy Hiatt and his fiance Noelle St. John; granddaughter Mykee, grandson Landon, and baby boy Hiatt, who she was so excited to meet in December, all of Billings, Montana; brother, Denny and Delora Russell, and family, of Mackay, Idaho; brother, Lee and Kris Russell and family, of Pocatello, Idaho; and sister Ruth Foster and family, of Pocatello, Idaho. Too many people to list, as her family, also greatly feel Lea Ann’s loss because she genuinely loved people.

Lea Ann was born on Oct. 27, 1954, in Omaha, Nebraska to Ruth and Leo Russell. Eventually the family of seven moved to Pocatello, Idaho, where Lea Ann graduated high school. After she divorced, she worked hard to raise her boys as a single mom, usually holding down several jobs at a time because of her strong work ethic, which she passed on, and desired to give her sons a beautiful life. 

She found her calling, however, as a bartender where she fully embraced the phrase “I’ve never met a stranger.” It was how Lea Ann lived every day. She made friends and left an impression everywhere she went. She was our sympathetic ear, shoulder, sounding board and natural healer. She will always be remembered as spiritual, kind, generous, thoughtful, accepting, compassionate — and always late. She loved life and in her short time she didn’t settle for existing ... she lived.

Lea Ann loved football (Go Bears! Go Huskers!) and could, most Sundays, be found downtown, surrounded by friends watching the game. Road trips spoke to Lea Ann’s adventurous, no fear, no-make-plans soul. Driving down the road in her yellow Mustang with classic rock pouring from the speakers was heaven on earth. 

She was a proud grandma and treasured every moment she had with her grandchildren. Lea Ann fiercely loved, protected and was loyal to family and friends. Her amazing sense of humor could make even the Grinch laugh out loud. When leaving she would say, “I love you so hard!”

Lea Ann was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband Dean Bucher; her sister Kathy Aguilar; her father Leo Russell; her mother Ruth Russell; and her brother-in-law Steve Foster.

A celebration of Lea Ann’s life will be held Saturday, Oct. 9, from noon-2 p.m., at the Powell Elk’s Lodge, 581 N. Clark St. Children are welcome.

The adult celebration will continue at The Peaks Bar, 127 S. Bent St., until close.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 33625 Pin Oak Parkway Avon Lake, OH 44012.

We will love and miss you always Lea Ann, mom, sister, grandma, aunt, friend and best friend!

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