ALBRIGHT, LEOTA PEARL {COX}, 87 , passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026, at LakePoint Nursing Center in El Dorado, surrounded by the love and memories of a life well lived.

Leota was born on June 24, 1939, on a farm just outside of Rose Hill, Kansas, to Thurman and Oakley Faye (Bannon) Cox. She was raised in the close-knit community of Rose Hill, where she learned the values of faith, family, hard work, and kindness that would guide her throughout her life. She graduated from Rose Hill High School with the Class of 1957. During her school years, Leota embraced every opportunity, serving as a cheerleader, playing basketball, and, most importantly, meeting the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Richard Albright.

Following graduation, Leota began working for Boeing, where she spent about a year before embarking on the journey that would become her life's greatest adventure. On June 8, 1958, she and Richard exchanged wedding vows at First Methodist Church in El Dorado, just two days before the historic El Dorado tornado forever changed the community around them. Through every season of life that followed, their marriage remained a beautiful testament to love, devotion, and unwavering partnership.

Together, Leota and Richard built a life centered on faith and family. They were members of First Methodist Church before becoming active members of Trinity United Methodist Church in 1967 after building their family home one block over. Leota made many friends there and enjoyed serving the church.

In 1959, the couple's greatest blessings arrived when they welcomed twins into their family and then a baby boy five years later to complete the family. Becoming a mother was the role Leota cherished above all others. She poured her heart into raising her children, creating a home filled with love, encouragement, laughter, and countless treasured memories. Her family always came first, and she found her greatest joy in watching them grow and succeed.

As her children became older, Leota returned to the workforce, accepting a position with what is now Flint Hills Services, where she served as the Assistant to the Director. She enjoyed working there and made many friends.

Life was never all work for Leota and Richard. They believed in making memories together and shared countless adventures with a close circle of lifelong friends. Whether square dancing, bowling, or taking fun-filled trips together, they treasured every opportunity to laugh and enjoy life. They were also devoted supporters of El Dorado schools and athletics, enthusiastically cheering on local students and programs for many years. Their unwavering encouragement and commitment to the community were recognized with a special honor, a reflection of the difference they made through their faithful support.

Retirement opened the door to yet another chapter of adventure. Richard and Leota embraced the opportunity to travel, taking numerous bus tours that carried them across the United States. From scenic landscapes to historic landmarks, they delighted in experiencing new places together, always returning home with stories to share and memories to cherish.

Those who knew Leota will remember her gentle heart, her quiet strength, and her genuine kindness. She possessed a warm smile that put others at ease and a servant's heart that found joy in caring for those around her. She understood that life's greatest treasures were never found in possessions but in relationships—with God, with family, with friends, and with her community.

Leota is survived by her loving husband of 68 years Richard; son Rick (Allison); daughters Pammie and Tammie(Craig);  7 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; brothers Gerald Cox "Doc" and Marvin Cox(Connie); sister in law Donna {Cox} Leonard; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Thurman and Oakley and brothers Lloyd and Leland and son in law Bob Keen.

Leota's greatest legacy lives on through the family she loved so deeply, the friendships she faithfully nurtured, the church she faithfully served, and the countless lives she touched with simple acts of kindness and unwavering love. She demonstrated that an extraordinary life is built not through grand gestures, but through years of faithful devotion, quiet compassion, and steadfast love.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at the El Dorado Civic Center.

Though her family grieves the loss of her earthly presence, they find comfort in knowing that Leota's faith has become sight and that she has been welcomed into her eternal home. Her love, her example, and the memories she leaves behind will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. Leota's greatest legacy lives on through the family, the friendships, the church friends and countless lives she touched with her simple acts of kindness and unwavering love.

Her life was a beautiful reminder that the greatest measure of a person is found in the love they give, the faith they live, and the lives they touch. For Leota, that measure was abundant.

In honor of Leota the family asks that memorial donations be made in her memory to Butler Community College Foundation, Attn: Hayley Hobbs, 901 S Haverhill Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042.