LINDA TRETHEWAY LESKOVAR's Obituary
Linda Tretheway Leskovar, PhD, of Perry, GA, died at the age of 72 on February 7, 2021, from a fatal motor vehicle accident. Linda was born in the richly historic mining town of Butte, MT, on February 7, 1949. She was preceded in death by her vivacious father, Richard Northey Tretheway, a celebrated Fire Chief of Silver-Bow County; her affectionate mother, Mary Lorraine Driscoll Tretheway; and younger brother, William “Billy” Tretheway.
Linda is survived by her husband Tony Hickman; children James Leskovar (Melissa) of Virginia Beach, VA, Lacey Leskovar of Steamboat Springs, CO, Staisha Riehl (Geoff) of Savannah, GA; stepson, Brent Hickman of Kennasaw, GA; brother, Northey Tretheway (Kim); and nephews, Northey and Kolby Tretheway.
Dr. Leskovar was devoted in her career to elementary education. After graduating from the all-girls Catholic school, Butte Central High, she attended Montana Tech where she was a collegiate cheerleader and Circle K Sweetheart. She went on to complete her undergraduate degree in Education at Western Montana College. Linda worked as a teacher in Butte before taking a career break to be a full time mother. She resumed her passion for childhood education in 1993 when she began teaching at Perry Elementary School. She completed her professional development with a Doctorate in Psychology from Argosy University and was a devoted school counselor at Kings Chapel Elementary for 15 years.
In addition to her passion for education, Linda had many interests. She was a pianist and professionally trained opera singer. She supported her children’s interests in music, dance, theater, athletics, and creative education. Even though there was distance between her and Butte, she maintained deep relationships with her parents, siblings, and hometown. She and her children would spend the summers in Montana with her family. As her daughters moved away, Linda appreciated visiting them in Savannah, GA, and Steamboat Springs, CO. Camping, traveling, fitness training, sharing in conversation, reading, learning, water skiing, and spending time at her husband’s cabin enriched her life.
Linda cherished her relationship with her husband, Tony. When they first started dating, Tony introduced Linda to water skiing. He reminisces how, like a lot of things she tried, she picked it up quickly. She was able to stand on the skis on her first try. Scared of falling, she became intimidated by letting go once she stood up! As the story goes, she just kept hanging on and on until she finally lost strength and had to release the rope.
Tony and Linda enjoyed quiet retreats at the log cabin they built in Eastman, GA. During the weekends, she may have been found at the cabin driving the tractor, visiting with family, driving the ATV, or relaxing.
As a beloved mother, sister, wife, and an integral part of the education community in Houston County, Dr. Linda Leskovar will be deeply missed. She has touched the hearts and lives of endless people.
Per her request, memorial services will not be held. In order to celebrate her life and legacy, the family and her colleagues are establishing the Linda Leskovar Library Fund to benefit the library at Kings Chapel Elementary School. Linda leaves a legacy of providing excellence in education in Houston County. Among other accolades throughout her career, she was awarded Teacher of the Year and Support Person of the Year. Preparing the youngest student for higher education, Dr. Leskovar is remembered for her unique approach to teaching. For example, she taught her second-graders SAT level vocabulary words that they, in turn, would teach their parents.
It is the family’s honor that Dr. Leskovar will be remembered in the Kings Chapel Elementary Library for her dedication to reading and literature. All donations toward her memory are greatly appreciated. Donations can be made at the go-fund-me link below or by mailing a check to Kings Chapel Elementary School, c/o The Linda Leskovar Library Fund, 460 Arena Road, Perry, GA 31069.
Go-Fund-Me link is below.
Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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