Leta S. Reinhardt

Leta Jane Reinhardt (nee Small) passed away on June 14, 2024, at Westminster Canterbury in Lynchburg, Virginia, at the age of 93.

 She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty years , Ray Reinhardt, and her parents, Curt and Margaret Small, as well as her brothers, John Richard and Roy Small.
 
 Leta is survived by her son , Steve Reinhardt of Lynchburg; daughter, Margaret "Meggins" Tuchmann (Tom) of Portland, OR; grandchildren, Helen Tuchmann of Portland, Maine, and Pen Tuchmann of Portland, OR; cousins, Margie Loftus of Princeton, Kentucky, and Susan Howton of Harrisburg, Illinois; many beloved nieces, nephews, and their children; as well as her "heart family" - the many fortunate neighbors from the Summerville Street neighborhood.
 
 She was born on November 4, 1930, in Harrisburg, Illinois, to Curt and Margaret Small. Leta treasured her small town upbringing and traveled to Harrisburg every year that she was able after moving away . She graduated from Harrisburg Township High School and went on to get a degree in Education from the University of Illinois where she enjoyed an active social life as a member of the Tri Delta sorority and made many lifetime friends .
 
 Leta began her career teaching kindergarten in Newport Beach, CA, before marrying and eventually settling in Lynchburg with her young family in 1962. She worked at the First Presbyterian Church weekday school, and was known to her students as “Miss Leta.” She later taught for many years at Perrymont Elementary in the Lynchburg Public School System. While teaching full time and raising her family she went on to earn a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education at Lynchburg College. Leta retired in 1992 and was fondly remembered by former students and their families.
 
 She was a long time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg
 
 Leta was an outgoing and energetic individual who had a deep love for children. She had a talent for making people feel good and had a warm and welcoming personality. She volunteered at First Presbyterian Church, Virginia Baptist Hospital, and served on the Pastoral Visitation Committee at Westminster Canterbury. Her hobbies included playing Bridge, line dancing, exercising, hosting gatherings, and making treat bags, muffins, and holiday butter creams for others.
 
 The family wishes to express appreciation to all of the staff at Westminster Canterbury and special thanks to her loving caregivers Joyce and Renae Gentry and Delores Nelson.
 
 Visitation with family will be on Tuesday ,June 18th, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Hume room at Westminster Canterbury, 501 Virginia Episcopal School Road, Lynchburg, Virginia. A memorial service and reception to celebrate Leta’s life will take place at 11 A.M. on Wednesday , June 19th at First Presbyterian Church, 1215 Virginia Episcopal School Road, Lynchburg, VA.
  
 In lieu of flowers please consider making contributions in memory of Leta to the First Presbyterian Church of Lynchburg or the Westminster Canterbury Foundation Employee Assistance Fund.
 

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.