Leanne Louise (Grice) Porch, 72, of Anderson, IN, passed away at 5:30 am on Sunday, January 17, 2021 in Lafayette, IN. Leanne was born on May 4th of 1948 in Galesburg, IL and was the youngest daughter of Wrenn Routh and Evelyn Janette (Luman) Grice. She grew up on White Gate Farm outside of London Mills, IL and married Michael A. Porch on June 29, 1969 in the London Mills United Methodist Church.
Leanne was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Carol J. Major; and several children and grandchildren. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Michael; brother, George L. Grice of Chicago, IL; children, Rachel (Greg) Porch Williams , Sarah “Sadie” Porch-Dixon, Noah Porch, Enoch Porch , Gabriel (Alaina) Porch, and Joshua (Rebekah) Porch; and ten grandchildren: Michael, Emilee, David, Sarah, Anna, Hunter, Isaac, Billy, Routh, and Elizabeth.
As a youth, Leanne enjoyed 4-H, homecoming parades, singing with her siblings and cousins, and was an active member of London Mills United Methodist Church. She attended Spoon River Valley High School where she participated in Robed Choir and band, was President of the Girls Athletic Association[RPW9] , and graduated in 1966 as Salutatorian of her class. In 1974, she graduated from Western Illinois University, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with specific interest in special education. Western now awards the Leanne L. Grice Porch scholarship annually to a student majoring in Elementary Education.
As an adult, Leanne enjoyed fulfilling her childhood dream of being a mother and grandmother. She also played an important role in the early homeschool movement, in which she continued to be very involved with her children and grandchildren for about 27 years. This included everything from planning field trips and supporting the Homeschool Sons basketball teams, to active involvement in the local homeschool support group, Life Learning Co-op, 4-H, and both homeschool and community theater. She faithfully attended and volunteered at her church, Aletheia Fellowship and Ministry Center. Leanne asked Jesus into her life as a child; she loved Jesus and loved people as He loves them. Every person mattered to her, and this could be easily seen and felt by those around her.
Visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church 202 Plato St, London Mills, IL 61544 on Saturday, June 18th from 10:30-11:30am. A memorial service will immediately follow at 11:30am concluding with the tolling of the bells and procession to the grave site.
