Mattie Lou Leet 91, of the Panther Community in Daviess County, Kentucky passed away Monday, September 2, 2024 at her home. Mattie Lou Payton was born October 23, 1932 in Daviess County, Kentucky to the late Ray Payton and Nila Bowman Payton McCormick and was married to Glenard Alvey ‘G.A.’ Leet on April 6, 1951. Mattie Lou lived a life brimming with love, service, and the joy of simple pleasures.
Mattie Lou’s journey began as a 1951 graduate of Daviess County High School, where she laid the foundation for a life of learning and growth. Her entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly as she started her career as a hairdresser and owner of Panther Beautyette, bringing beauty and confidence to her cherished clients. Later, Mattie Lou shared her warmth and dedication with the community as she retired from her position at K-Mart in Owensboro. Her passion for service continued as she became the owner and operator of Leet’s Grocery & Grill in Panther, where she not only served meals but also nourishment for the soul through her kindness and care.
A lifelong member of the Green River Area Homemakers since 1948, Mattie Lou’s commitment to community was unwavering. She found joy in square dancing, bowling, and indulging her green thumb through flower gardening. Her creativity was expressed through her crafts, and she delighted in the challenge of working word search puzzles.
Mattie Lou’s faith was a guiding light in her life, and she was a member of Glenville Baptist Church. As a Sunday School Teacher and leader of the W.M.U., she touched many lives with her wisdom, compassion, and steadfast faith.
Those who knew Mattie Lou will remember her for her boundless energy, her nurturing spirit, and her readiness to lend a hand or an ear to anyone in need. Her presence was a comfort, her laughter a joy, and her advice a treasure. Mattie Lou’s life was a mosaic of the roles she cherished most: a devoted wife, a loving mother, a grandmother, a caring friend, and a servant of her community and faith.
Mattie Lou’s life was rich in experiences, filled with love, and marked by the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on in the hearts and memories of all who were fortunate enough to know her. We take solace in the fact that her story does not end here, but continues in the love she has instilled in her family and in the community that she held so dear.
In addition to her parents, Mattie Lou was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Glenard ‘G.A.’ Leet, who died November 20, 2015; by a son, Tim Leet; and by two sisters, Etta Barnett and Shirley Watkins.
Her family was the cornerstone of her existence, and she leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. Mattie Lou is survived by a son, Glenn Leet (Brenda) of Panther; three daughters, Sharon Barnett (Buck) of Panther, Lauran Gossett (Les) of Owensboro, and Traci Ayer (Jonathan) of Calhoun; ten grandchildren, Aaron Barnett (Karri), Sunny Canary (Michael), Chuck Barnett (Lacey), Kevin Leet (Michelle), Jeremie Leet (Jenny), Kyle Leet (Megan), Evan Gossett (Meghan), Kendra Peace (Doug), Trenton Ayer (Heather), and Kirstin Ayer; and twenty-two great-grandchildren, Austin Barnett, Aden Barnett, Ryleigh Logan, Reese Logan, Jett Barnett, Luke Canary, Dylan Canary, Diesel Barnett, Emma Leet, Emery Leet, Abby McGuire, Madelyn Leet, Addison Leet, Zeke Leet, Graham Gossett, Claire Gossett, Owen Gossett, Weston Gossett, Foster Gossett, Chloe Peace, Liam Peace, and Vera Peace.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, September 5, 2024 at Glenville Baptist Church in Daviess County. Burial will be in the Brushy Fork Cemetery in Daviess County. Friends may visit with Mattie Lou’s family from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Wednesday at Muster Funeral Homes, Calhoun Chapel and from 1:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. Thursday at Glenville Baptist Church.
The Mattie Lou Leet family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Kentucky; 3419 Wathen’s Crossing; Owensboro, Kentucky 42301 or Alzheimer’s Association; 6100 Dutchmans Lane # 401; Louisville, Kentucky 40205.
Share your memories and photos of Mattie Lou at musterfuneralhomes.com.