Leota King, 90, of Connersville, went home to be with the Lord, on Wednesday, July 31,2024 at Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center in Carmel.

Leota was born December 17, 1933 in Harrison County, Kentucky, one of the three children of Chester Lee and Anita Ross Davis. As a child, she moved with her family to Hamilton, Ohio and later to Brownsville, where she graduated from Brownsville High School.

On March 29, 1952, Leota married Michael James King in the Grand Avenue Methodist Church in Connersville. They celebrated 72 years together in March. Mr. King survives.

Leota held the position of CEO at Ruji-King, Inc. overseeing the operation of Subway restaurants in Shelbyville, Rushville, Connersville and Brookville as both owner and operator. Her career also included a tenure as a sales associate for Stanley Home Products, eventually rising to the role of district manager and group leader. Additionally, she contributed her skills to River Valley Resources, working in job training.

Leota was a pillar of her community, president of the Women’s Republican Group, as well as contributing her expertise to the Fayette County Board of Commissioners. Her commitment extended to serving on the Area Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. She was a founding member of the TV 3 Cable Board. Her dedication shined brightly at Connersville Rotary, where she led by serving as president. Recognized for her leadership and service, she was named as “Woman of the Year” by ABWA, an organization she also guided as president. Additionally, she co-chaired the Armed Forces Day Parade, further demonstrating her active civic engagement. Active until the end of her life, she volunteered at the Fayette County Free Fair in 2024.

Alongside her husband, Leota was a faithful member of Connersville Baptist Temple, where she was a charter member. She served as a Sunday School teacher for many years. In her leisure time, Leota enjoyed spending time with her family, attending family activities and being with her grandchildren.

Alongside her husband of 72 years, Michael King, survivors include four children: Gerald (Sunny) King of Augusta, Georgia, Alan (Leisa) King of Falmouth, Dana (Tracy) Flynn of Rushville, and Brent (Brenda) King of Liberty; 11 grandchildren, Heather King, Anita McCollum, Michael King II (Amy), Moriah (Adam) Fagan, Seth (Nicole) Rujiraviriyapinyo, Matia (Ryan) Miles, Kelly Sexton, and Kristy (Seth) Curry; 17 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild; a sister, Darlene Fezler of Mapleton, Minnesota; and was blessed with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Leota is preceded in death by her parents, a brother and sister-in-law, Max Davis and Diana Davis, a brother-in law, Don Fezler, a granddaughter, Carol King, and two grandsons, Toban Rujiraviiriiyapinyo and Bobby Johnson.

Friends and family may visit from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 2:00 on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. Reverend Tim Billups, pastor of Grace Church, will officiate. Burial will follow in Village Creek Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Connersville Baptist Temple, Gideon’s International and Rotary International Foundation. Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.

Paid obituary