- Barbara Gayle Leach, age 58, of Phelps, Kentucky passed away at the Pikeville Medical Center on September 29, 2026, after a brief illness. Barb was born on May 3,1968, in Portsmouth, Ohio. She was the daughter of the late Roger Leach and Helen Irene Horton Leach and a member of the Episcopal Church.
- Barb was a beloved music teacher at Phelps High School for 24 years. She was definitely a teacher at heart and always went above and beyond for her kids. Barb’s band room was always filled with music, joy, laughter, but most of all ….love.
- Barbara was well known as an accomplished musician, receiving scholarships at Morehead State University, where she got her bachelor’s degree and Ohio University, where she completed 2 master’s degrees. During her education she was also very active in Sigma Sigma Sigma and SAI sororities. Barb began her teaching career in Pound, Virginia before moving to Phelps to run the music program there. She was highly respected by music directors throughout the state for her work.
- Barbara was preceded in death by her father, Roger Leach. She is survived by her mother, Irene Leach and one sister, Debbie (Roger) Fouch. Barb will be especially missed by her fur babies: Alley, Ringo, Miya, and Tippy. She is also survived by many cherished aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins, friends, and students.
- Graveside services will be held on Monday, October 5th, at 2:00 PM at the Frost-Mt. Zion Cemetery in South Shore, Kentucky. Barbara is under the care of Roberson Funeral in South Shore, Kentucky
- A Celebration of Life honoring Miss Leach will be held on Saturday, October 10th, at 2:00 PM at the Phelps High School Gymnasium.
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