Merle Rushing Leblanc

Merle Rushing LeBlanc, 88, of Iuka, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 27, 2013, surrounded by her family. Mrs. LeBlanc was born July 12, 1924, in Cairo, Mississippi, and graduated from Holcut High School. After returning to the South in 1963 from Monett, Missouri, to care for her mother, she began working at the Iuka Head Start. “Miss Merle”, as she was known, loved teaching children, and was employed there for 25 years. Her kind heart and sweet personality was infectious. Mrs. LeBlanc was a member of the Iuka United Methodist Church, and enjoyed collecting antiques and porcelain dolls, and spending time with her family and friends. Her love for her family was a great as her love for the Lord. Visitation is scheduled for 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 29, at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka. Funeral services are scheduled for 12:00 noon, Wednesday, January 30, at the Iuka United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Jon Kaufman. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka, MS is entrusted with arrangements. Survivors include her husband of 67 years, Nick LeBlanc of Iuka, MS; one son, Ron LeBlanc and wife, Marsha, of Amory, MS; two daughters, Paula LeBlanc of Cordova, TN, and Helena LeBlanc of Iuka ,MS; three grandchildren, Nicholas LeBlanc and wife, Beth, Jared LeBlanc and wife, Alicia, and Dana LeBlanc; three great-grandchildren, Abby, Anna, and Carleigh LeBlanc; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Maggie Rushing; five brothers, Arlon, Kermit, Milton, Herman, and Lesley Rushing; and four sisters, Thelma Rushing James, Melba Rushing Mounts, Maurene Rushing Johnson, and Montrey Rushing Rountree. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Iuka United Methodist Church, the Alzheimer’s Association, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.