May 19, 1942 – Feb. 9, 2018
Delilah Moore Leach, 75, a former resident of Sweet Home and Lebanon, died Feb. 9, 2018 of post-polio decline at the home of her youngest brother, Donald Moore, in Middleton, Idaho.
She was born May 19, 1942 in Nampa, Idaho, the daughter of Elwin and Veoleta Moore.
Though she suffered from polio when she was young, graduated from High School in Brookings, then went on to get an education degree from Northwest Nazarene University in 1962, later earning a master’s degree in education at Western Oregon State College in Monmouth.
She taught High School for 29 years, first in Willamina, and then in Sweet Home. She was well known in Sweet Home and a very loved and favorite teacher. She taught journalism, photography, English, French and yearbook.
Delilah received many awards and honors for her work and inspired hundreds of students. She was also a professional photographer and took photos on the side while teaching.
Delilah married Jeff Leach in 1989 and became mother to two little girls, Rebecca (9 years) and Rachel (6 years). Jeff and Delilah were married for 28 years before Jeff preceded her in death on Jan. 7, 2018. They had a special love story and were only apart for one month and two days.
She loved photography and reading. She enjoyed going fishing and camping with her family in their trailer.
In her final years, she wrote an autobiography about her triumph over polio and other life experiences, entitled “Iron Heart,” which won an award.
Delilah held a deep faith in Jesus Christ and believed in the power or prayer. She was an amazing example of how to care for, respect and cherish her husband.
Delilah was very dedicated and involved at church. She played the piano and organ for the Nazarene church in Lebanon for many years and then became the church photographer for First Assembly of God in Lebanon. Jeff and Delilah attended the River Center in Lebanon before having to move to Middleton, Idaho, due to declining health and needing more help.
She is survived by her daughters, Rebecca Roysdon and Rachel Jolokai, Wash., three grandchildren, and her brothers Charles Moore and Donald Moore.
She was preceded in death by her husband Jeff; and sister Anna Moore McDougal (2005).
A memorial service was held in Middleton on Feb. 17. If you were a student or friend of Ms. Moore (Leach) and would like to send a memory or message to the family, they welcome you to do so by emailing [email protected]