Eileen Louise Leininger

Eileen Louise (Mertz) Leininger, 76, of Sheldon, Missouri, went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 9, 2026.

Born on December 18, 1949, in Fort Scott, Kansas, to George and Adeline (Marshall) Mertz, Eileen was the youngest of three children, sister to George and Jim. She attended school in Fort Scott for 12 years, graduating with the Class of 1967 before earning her master’s degree in American history from Pittsburg State University.

After accepting a teaching position in Sheldon, a certain coach caught her eye, leading her to gladly volunteer as a pep club sponsor. On May 25, 1975, she married the love of her life, Gene Leininger, beginning a 50-year journey of family and service. Together, they raised two daughters, Erin and Ashley.

Eileen dedicated 40 years to the Social Studies Department at Sheldon Schools, where she was a tireless advocate for citizenship and the importance of voting. She had a unique talent for identifying and supporting students who needed extra encouragement and inclusion. Her commitment to the community was evident through her service as a senior sponsor and her involvement with the Scholar Bowl, Enrichment, Harvest Dinner, Christmas Food Drive, PTO, and CTA. Alongside her beloved friend, Phyllis Sprenkle, she worked on many community projects, including the Sheldon School Alumni Association, Vernon County Retired Teachers Association, Vernon County Democratic Committee, AAUW, Sheldon Community Betterment, Sheldon Revitalization Association, and the Sheldon Food Pantry.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Eileen was completely selfless with her time. She lived a Christ-like life rooted in faith, leaving a lasting testimony through her dedicated service to her family and community. She consistently made herself available to anyone in need. She was deeply involved in her church, contributing to potlucks, women’s fellowship, Christmas Eve candlelight services, and Vacation Bible School.  With Gene by her side, Eileen cherished every moment spent with her family-especially her grandchildren-and was a constant, supportive presence at every graduation, program, and milestone.

She is survived by her husband, Gene; her children, Erin (Andy) Garwood and Ashley (Joel) McKinney; her grandchildren, Saylor, Mally, Jaden, Andersen, and Adalyn; her brother, Jim (Veronica) Mertz; and several loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Adeline; her brother, George; her sister-in-law, Jill; and her best friend, Phyllis Sprenkle.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Sheldon Christian Church. Interment will follow at Sheldon Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Sheldon Christian Church or Sheldon Schools, c/o Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada, MO.

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