Anna Leota Stoyanovich

Anna Leota Stoyanovich, 89, of Uhrichsville, passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at Country Club Retirement Campus in Dover after a short illness. Born March 6, 1924 at Piedmont in Belmont County, she was a daughter of the late James Harrison and Oga Leota (VanFossen) VanFossen.

A lifelong resident of the area, Leota devoted her life to her family as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and homemaker. A true farmer’s wife at heart, she loved helping her husband with the myriad of tasks on their family farm. She especially loved gardening and caring for her yard. She was Methodist by faith. On June 13, 1941, she married Milan “Mike” Stoyanovich with whom she enjoyed nearly fifty-seven years of marriage until his passing on October 19, 1998. They are survived by a son, James (Linda) Stoyanovich of Uhrichsville; a daughter, Jeanie (Rick, Sr.) Seifer of Canton; grandchildren, Curt (Shelley) Stoyanovich, Melissa (Gary) Rowan, Melanie (Drew) Seikel and Angela (Ray) Warren; great-grandchildren, Dawn Stoyanovich, Lucas, Marcus and Grace Rowan, Chandler and Kyra Seikel, and Noah Oaks; a step grandson, Ricky (Cheryl) Seifer, Jr.; and step great-grandchildren, Ricky Seifer, III, Randi Seifer and Chelsea (Nick) Combs. Leota is also survived by her brother, E. Allen (Pat) VanFossen of Coshocton; a sister-in-law, Karen VanFossen of New Philadelphia; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family members. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Donna Elizeus; a brother, James Richard VanFossen; a nephew; and a niece.

In keeping with Leota’s wishes, a private family service is planned without a public visitation. She will be interred beside her beloved husband in Longview Cemetery in New Athens. Those wishing to honor her memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to Great Lakes Caring Hospice, 1530 W. Market St., Akron, OH 44313 and the Activities Department at Country Club Retirement Campus, 860 E. Iron Ave., Dover, OH 44622, in lieu of flowers. Leota’s family wish to express their gratitude to the staff of Country Club Retirement Campus and Great Lakes Caring Hospice for all their loving care and support during her final illness.