Leah R. Gaskins

Munnsville-Leah Ruth Smith Gaskins, 86, passed away peacefully at her home, with the love, support, and prayers of her children, grandchildren, and other loved ones by her side, on Friday, February 14, 2025.

Leah was born on March 13, 1938, in Cortland, the daughter of the late Clayton W. Smith Jr., and Camilla Austin Smith. She graduated from Madison High School in 1955, where she met her future husband David Gaskins Sr. On January 23, 1959, in Bouckville, Leah married David A. Gaskins Sr.; and together they raised their four cherished children in Knoxboro. Leah graduated from Nursing School at Faxton Hospital in Utica.  She worked at Oneida City Hospital which was originally on Main Street for a few years before she transitioned to the new Hospital on the Hill on Genesee Street.  She continued to work as a Nite Supervisor until she found her true love on the Pediatric Unit.  She became the Nurse Manager of Pediatrics at the Hospital. While working full time in the job she loved, she completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing.  Leah also held other positions at the hospital before her retirement after 38 years of dedicated and loyal service. Leah continued nursing after her retirement from the hospital and worked another decade as a Public Health Nurse at Madison County Department of Health. She devoted her life to providing loving care to those in need.  Although she loved her nursing career, she was devoted to her family.    She enjoyed spending time at the Family Camp in Lebanon Reservoir, attending sporting events and other activities that her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren participated in.  She loved spoiling her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with their favorite snacks.  She loved watching the kids swim in the pool. Leah was married to her husband for 58 years before his passing on July 31, 2017. She helped to make special memories for all in just “living” everyday life.  She made sure to pass her passion as a caregiver, her ethic, and her love of family onto her children and grandchildren. She put everyones’ needs before her own.  Leah was also a person of deep spiritual strength and conviction.  She attended the Stockbridge United Methodist Church. Her spirit of love to all is Leah’s legacy, her spirit continues through all the lives she touched. May she rest in peace.

She is survived by her cherished children: Clayton "Chip" (Wendy) Gaskins, Karyn (Michael, Sr.) Reeder, Susan Gaskins, and David A. Gaskins, Jr.; her sisters Claire Feldeisen and June (Bob) Eaves; her beloved grandchildren: Michael (Mindy) Reeder Jr., Kaitlin (Scott) Jones, Robert (Mikaela) Reeder, Brianna (Mark) Conaway, Jenna Gaskins, Derek Gaskins and Chloe Gaskins; cherished and beloved great grandchildren: Evan Reeder, Alexandria Reeder, Sydney Jones, Kolton Jones and Alayna Reeder. Leah also is survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

Leah was predeceased by her parents Clayton and Camilla, her life husband, her life partner and soulmate, David Sr., and her sister Kay Griffin. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Leah on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 2PM at the Stockbridge United Methodist Church with the Pastor Ray Lighthall officiating.  A gathering will be held following the service at the Munnsville American Legion where all are welcome.  There will be no calling hours.  Compassionate and personal care is being provided to Leah and her family by Jeffrey T. Paul, Director, of the Paul Funeral Home of Madison.  To offer a condolence or share a memory, please visit: paulfuneralhome.net