Cleta Christine (McChristian) Leichner's Obituary
Cleta Christine (McChristian) Leichner, of Fayetteville, passed away on August 10, 2023 at home. She was born October 23rd, 1928 in Wesley, Arkansas to Hobart and Allie McChristian.
She loved her family with all her heart. As a passionate cook, nothing made her happier than to host holiday gatherings surrounded by the whole family. Cleta prepared a weekly Wednesday night dinner for family at her home, for decades. She never knew how many people were coming, but there was always enough for anyone that came. She and Max dedicated their lives to raising and supporting a huge, bountiful, multi-generational family. She belonged to the Church of Christ.
She married the love of her life, Charles Max Leichner, on February 12, 1947. They had four beautiful children together. She had an incredible gift for making every family member feel special and loved. Every person who walked in her home knew they were welcome. One thing was certain about Cleta: once you were in her family, you were always in her family.
She is preceded in death by her two parents, three sisters, two brothers, and husband of sixty six years.
She is survived by two sons, Max Leichner Jr. and wife Angie of Fayetteville and Steve Leichner of Fayetteville; two daughters, Anna Morter and husband Dr. Tom Morter of Rogers and Lori Leichner of Springdale; eight grandchildren, John Leichner and wife Louann of West Fork, Staci Sims and husband Devin of Rogers, Chuck Leichner of Rogers, Justin Dysart and wife Crystal of Fayetteville, Ryan Leichner and wife Jennifer of West Fork, Dr. Sarah Rowden and husband Dr. Josh Rowden of Rogers, Dr. Russell Morter and wife Dr. Lauren Morter of Rogers, and Chase Leichner and wife Tiyler of Fayetteville; ten great-grandchildren, Braxton Leichner and wife Whitney, Mac Leichner and wife Andrea, Garren Leichner, Morgan Trost and husband Chase, Cade Leichner, Harper Leichner, Evelyn Rowden, Havyn Rowden, Matthew Morter, and Wesley Morter; five great-great-grandchildren, Kasen Leichner, Adalynn Leichner, Ellie Leichner, Eila Leichner, and Tatum Leichner, and honorary grandchildren Brooke Pool and Ayden Rieff.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00pm on Monday, August 14th at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home. Graveside services will be at 10:00am on Tuesday, August 15th at Fairview Memorial Garden. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com.
Pallbearers will be: John Leichner, Ryan Leichner, Chuck Leichner, Chase Leichner, Dr. Russell Morter, Braxton Leichner, and Mac Leichner. Honorary pallbearers will be: Justin Dysart, Garren Leichner, Devin Sims, Dr. Josh Rowden, Chase Trost, and Cade Leichner.
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