Leanne M. Zost

Leanne Margaret Zost, 88, of Galesburg, died Thursday, February 22, 2024 at Knox County Nursing Home in Knoxville, Illinois.

She was born June 14, 1935 in Galesburg, Illinois the daughter of James Frederick and Sarah Margaret (Lee) Peake. Leanne graduated from Abingdon High School in 1953.She then worked at Montgomery Ward, where she met the love of her life, Dick. Leanne married Clinton “Dick” Leroy Zost on April 23, 1955 in Abingdon, Illinois. She later worked as a cost accountant for Gates Rubber Company and earned her associates degree from Carl Sandburg College while working at Gates.

Left to cherish her memory are three sons: Mike Zost of Abingdon, Terry (Denise) Zost of Layton, Utah, and Chris Zost of Galesburg; three daughters: Connie (Mark) Parent of Troy, Michigan, Peggy Huff of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Julie (Scott) Zierden of Ramsey, Minnesota; ten grandchildren: David Huff, Jr., Meghan Huff, Zachary Huff, Joseph Parent, Katie Parent, Jack Parent, Seth Zost, Mary Zost, Matt Zierdan, and Nick Zierden; and three great-grandchildren: Amelia Parent, Orion Huff, and Hailey Parent. Also surviving is one brother, Frederick (Peggy) Peake of Oklahoma. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 64 years, Clinton on December 5, 2020; and one brother, Donald J. Peake.

Leanne was a devout Catholic, charter member, and member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Galesburg. She enjoyed sewing, RV camping, and attending Bluegrass music shows. Leanne was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, sister, and friend and will be deeply missed.

Visitation is 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 29, 2024 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Galesburg. Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. Father Nathan Hopper will officiate. Burial will follow at Abingdon Cemetery in Abingdon, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.