Leesa Hays Bushnell, 61, of Mt. Auburn, died Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at her home.

She was born September 1, 1955 in South Bend, Indiana the daughter of Victor and Eilene (Strauch) Smith. She graduated High School in Cleveland, Ohio. She attended Ohio State University and received her Bachelors of Science Degree from University of Northern Iowa.

She was united in marriage to Lee Bushnell September 1, 1984 in the front yard of their residence in Mt. Auburn.

Leesa taught Science and Math at Alburnett High School for 19 years, retiring in 2016.

She was an avid lover of animals – especially dogs, loved all wildlife and enjoyed feeding the birds. Leesa was not anti-social, but enjoyed being by herself which is why she loved living where she did and never wanted to leave. She was very active in politics, had a never ending lust for literature and loved snowy days.

Survived by: her husband, Lee of Mt. Auburn; one son, Leo Bushnell of Mt. Auburn; one brother, Victor (Karen) Smith III of Dayton, Ohio; one sister, Svafa (Joe) Ania of Tucson, Arizona and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by: her parents and her stepfather, Leo Settles.