Leslee B. Willis, 65, of Florence, Kentucky passed away peacefully in her home on February 21, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Leslee, the third of four daughters, was born in Newport Beach, California, on September 15, 1958 to Fred and Lois Winscher. She graduated in 1976 from Boone County High School and attended Eastern Kentucky University where she earned her degree in Nursing. She began her nursing career at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Covington, Kentucky, and, later, served at St. Elizabeth's Edgewood, Kentucky facility. A highly skilled nurse, Leslee served much of her career assigned to the hospital's intensive care units. In 1980, Leslee married her high school sweetheart, and the couple took up residence in Florence, Kentucky. Leslee gave birth to her daughter, Ashlee, in 1981, and her son, Joseph, in 1984. Leslee became a grandmother on January 8, 2013, when her daughter Ashlee gave birth to a baby girl they named Jacee. During the couple's life together, they lived in Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Virginia, Maryland, Florida, and Washington DC. Leslee was an extraordinarily good person, wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend, and nurse. Her closest friends were very dear to her, and she always considered them more like family. Leslee loved to travel and particularly like spending time at the beach. In addition, she was an avid and skilled video poker player. Leslee was very proud of Jacee, an accomplished gymnast, and loved to travel the country to watch her compete. She was an outstanding homemaker and made every home she lived in a beautiful, warm, inviting, and comfortable place for her family and friends. The grief and loss felt by her friends and family at this time is immeasurable. Leslee was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister Melissa Winscher. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Rusty, her daughter Ashlee (Eric) Forti, her son, Joseph Frederick Willis, her granddaughter, Jacee Forti, her sisters Karen (James) Whalen and Emily Ruber, as well as 17 nieces and nephews. Visitation will take place on Sunday, February 25, 2024 from 12:00 PM (Noon) until the Nurses Honor Gaurd Service at 2:00 PM, followed by a Eulogy Service at Connley Brothers Funeral Home, 11 East Southern Avenue, Covington (Latonia), Kentucky 41015. Memorials are suggested to St. Elizabeth Cancer Center in Edgewood, KY. Online condolences may be expressed on Facebook or at www.connleybrothersfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
Nan Cuadrado - Mar 1, 2024
I did not know. I am in total disbelief and my heart is breaking for my good friend. Rusty if you can please reach out to me at some point. My condolences to the family. Leslee was a great friend and will always be in my heart. Nan
Beth McCourt - Mar 1, 2024
My heart is broken 💔 for all of you. I adored Leslee and feel shocked, sick and a huge sense of loss for this terrible blow. She was a lot of fun to work with. I think of her SO often-
Jeff and Alanna Livingston - Feb 25, 2024
We send our condolences to Leslee’s family for their loss. We were fortunate to know her for an all too brief time while they lived in Florida and have warm memories of spending time with them watching football, playing euchre and more. Her warm and caring nature was a consistent theme every time we spent time together. We will always cherish memories of our time together.
Terry Torline Smith - Feb 24, 2024
My heart is breaking for Rusty and family. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Darrell and Jeraldine Taylor - Feb 24, 2024
Leslee was the daughter with funny stories and humor. Loving and caring and always giving. We are so sad that she is no longer with us. While we are not able to travel home for the service we will be there in thought and prayers. We are truly at a loss for words except to say we may not be in touch but we love you all very much. We will miss being there with hugs and condolences. She will be missed by all of us. Go forward with peace and love and the knowledge she was very proud of her family.
Mary Dietz - Feb 24, 2024
I'm was so sorry to hear about Leslee's passing. I haven't seen her in several years , but will never forget working with her in the MICU at St.E South. Leslee was a compassionate, caring nurse took wonderful care of her patients. She was well respected by her peers for her nursing knowledge. My sincere condolences to all her family members. Mary Dietz
Liz Wilber - Feb 24, 2024
I’m so deeply sorry to hear of Leslee’s passing. She was a wonderful, kind person and I have found memories of her. Sending love and hugs to Joe, Rusty, Ashlee, Forti, Jacee and her extended family.
Cyndi Wilber - Feb 24, 2024
My heart hurts for your loss. My deepest sympathy to Rusty, Joe, Ashee, all family and to friends lucky enough to have known Leslee.
Barb Centers Marks - Feb 24, 2024
I am so sad. What I remember most about her..always seeing her with Rusty at the reunions. They have been married such a long time. I always admired the commitment they must have had to each other. She was always so friendly and genuine. I love all my BCHS Rebels. Rebel Nation is very sad today. My best to Rusty and the family and to Karen Davis, such a close friend to her..you are in my prayers Karen. I am living in Nashville now and won't be able to be there for her service. Love to all...
Karen Davis - Feb 24, 2024
Leslee forever changed my life in such a wonderful way when we met over 50 years ago. Now it is forever changed upon leaving. My thoughts are with Rusty, Ashlee, Joey, Jacee, Karen, Emily, Kim and the Winscher and Willis families. Love you Leslee Beth.
Betsy Boman - Feb 24, 2024
Rusty and family. So sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort during this difficult time
Cindy and Chuck Emde - Feb 23, 2024
Dear Rusty, Ashlee, Joe, Eric and Jaycee, It was a friendship for life from the first hello. We think of you more as family than friends. We will cherish the special memories we have of happy times together. Leslee was genuinely kind and caring to everyone who was lucky to have known her. She will be truly missed by all who loved her. With our sincere sympathy and prayers to all of you and your families. Peace and blessings, Cindy and Chuck
Beth Kloentrup - Feb 23, 2024
To Rusty, Ashlee, Joey ,and Karen, My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you mourn the loss of such a wonderful wife , mother ,sister and friend. Although, I haven’t been in touch with Leslee much in recent years, I will always treasure her friendship and the times we spent together. So many wonderful memories. She was the best ! I’m not sure that I’ll be able to be at the services on Sunday ,but I wanted to share my deepest sympathy to you all. Beth Kloentrup
Jo & Bob McDade - Feb 22, 2024
We’re so sad for your mom’s passing, Ashlee. Sending peace and much love.
Rick and Nan Forti - Feb 22, 2024
So sad to hear of Leslee’s passing, and sorry we can’t be there in person to offer our support. Thinking of all of the family from afar.
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