Leota Claycamp McCarthy (formerly Hanson) passed away on September 22, 2024. Born on January 11, 1943, in Beloit, KS, she was the devoted wife of the late Larry Hanson and later, a loving partner to Bill McCarthy.
Leota spent her childhood in Mankato, Kansas, where she married her high school sweetheart, Larry. Their journey took them to Montana, during Larry’s service in the Air Force, before they settled in Manhattan, Kansas. Leota dedicated many years to her work at McCall Pattern Company, where she formed lasting friendships.
On July 13, 1996, Leota found love once more when she married Bill McCarthy, bringing joy and companionship into her life. She looked forward to watching her grandchildren play sports, she was a true Kansas City Royals fan and never missed watching them play. She was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary and spent many evenings at the Legion visiting with friends.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Larry Hanson; her beloved son, Steven Hanson; her parents Emil and Inez Claycamp; her siblings Kathy Rines, Wilbur Claycamp, Louella Brunner, Darrell Claycamp, and Lois Blass.
Leota is survived by her loving husband Bill McCarthy of Manhattan, Kansas; her daughter Pamela (Rick) Martinez also of Manhattan; her grandchildren, Athen (Bree) Martinez of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Raquelle (Connor) Stepp of Overland Park, Kansas; her stepdaughters Tina (Troy) Pierce of Texas and Linda McCarthy of Kansas; her stepson Paul (Charlotte) Pinnick of Kansas; five step-grandchildren and 12 step-great-grandchildren. She was so loved and will be missed greatly by her family and friends from near and far.
A graveside memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Mankato, Kansas, with Pastor Dennis Beckman officiating.
Immediately following the graveside service there will be a luncheon provided back at the Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Mankato for continued fellowship and sharing memories of Leota with family and friends.
In honoring Leota’s spirit, we invite all who knew and loved her to a Celebration of Life luncheon at 11:00 AM on Saturday, Oct 12th at the American Legion in Manhattan, Kansas.
Memorial contributions may be given to the American Heart Associating in c/o Melby Mortuary, PO Box 384, Mankato, Kansas 66956. For online condolences please visit, www.melbymortuary.com
