Maria Elena Leal

BLUFFTON, formerly of Defiance - Maria Elena Leal, 71 of Bluffton, formerly of Defiance died 12:55 p.m., Friday, November 19, 2021 at her residence.  She was born June 8, 1950 in Elsa, TX to the late Estevan and Anna (Rosa) Gonzalez.  On January 29, 1968 she married Reynaldo "Ray" Leal, Jr. and he survives.

Other survivors include five children: Hector Leal, Michelle (Kevin) McKinley, Cynthia Leal and David Leal all of Defiance and Sara (Angela) Leal of Bluffton; 20 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and five siblings: Maria Bishop of St. George, UT, Elia "Ellie" Alvarado of Hamler, Edna (Arturo) Lomeli of Leipsic, Lisa (Dennis) Nagy of Maumee and Rebecca (Bryan Yoxthimer) Dunbar of Findlay.

She was also preceded in death by a brother, Estevan Gonzalez, Jr. and a brother-in-law, Phil Alvarado.

Maria worked as an industrial seamstress with R & B Fabrications.  She enjoyed Shipshewana and was an avid collector of Betty Boop. She especially loved family reunions in Texas and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will begin at 1:00 p.m., Friday, November 26, 2021 at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Leipsic.  Burial will follow at a later date.  Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service Friday.

Memorial donations may be made to Hancock County Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com

Hancock County Hospice