Leah Marie White

is honored with a Brick from Debbie Hinnen

Leah Marie White RN
December 13, 1911 – May 25, 2005

Love, Sacrifice, and Service to others best describes Leah White.

Growing up was difficult for everyone during the depression, but for a 5 year old who had lost her mother, it was especially tough. Leah soon assumed the house maker role for her father and 2 brothers. This was the beginning of a long tradition of love and service to others. Sacrificing a year of high school to work and provide for the family did not stop Leah from working doubly hard and graduating with her high school class in Leon, KS.

Leah wanted to be a nurse more than anything. She was in the first graduating nursing class at Susan B Allen Memorial Hospital in 1934. Riding down the dumb waiter at night to sneak into the kitchen and make fudge was a daring escapade that Leah and the other students occasionally tried. The student nurses ran the hospital for all intents and purposes. The pay of $5 per month barely covered living expenses. It certainly didn’t leave any money for the nursing student’s Christmas gift exchange that was 5 cents. Leah’s pride would not allow an once of complaint or slacking of duties. She was always clean, pressed, polished and professional.

High energy and High Standards of Professionalism in the clinical setting defined Leah’s nursing career.

She was very proud to be able to do post graduate work in obstetrics in Chicago. Upon returning to El Dorado, she was director of the OB unit and later directed surgery and central supply. Leah was a role model for young nurses. When she served on faculty at Susan B Allen School of Nursing, she impacted the lives of many young women who went on to dedicated productive careers in nursing. Although it was expected, Leah was proud to work during WWII. She considered it her service to her country.

Leah loved her 2 children; Kathy Hungerford Edwards and Steve Hungerford. Living many years as a single parent, she epitomized independence and frugality. She loved musing, dancing, card playing and just about any activity that put her in contact with people. What a positive personality she had!

Leah worked in nursing until her 90’s. The changes she experienced in six decades of nursing were dramatic. From sharpening needles for re-sterilized glass syringes in the 1930’s to working in the clinic where rDNA insulin was given to patients with diabetes with pens and insulin pumps in the 1990’s. What dramatic progress!

Throughout her life, Leah was always positive and energetic. She served as a living example of support and caring. Leah was proud to be a Registered Nurse. Her life has left a lasting impression on many people.

Leah Marie White’s place in the Plaza of Heroines is well deserved.

Leah Marie White diploma can be viewed here