Mariella R. (Tobias) Leclerc Sawin, 93, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away March 31, 2022, at the Sterling Village, Sterling. She was born December 20, 1928, on a farm near Lyons, Kansas, the daughter of Edward A. and Pearl Brothers Tobias. Mariella has resided in Sterling since 2017, formerly of Lyons.
She attended Union Two rural grade school, graduating from Lyons High School with the class of 1946, and later attended Sterling College. Mariella worked with young people in 4-H, in the schools and with various civic groups, including the very earliest tourism committee in Lyons. Mariella was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Lyons, where she taught children’s Sunday school classes for twelve years, was a youth group leader, sang in the church choir and was the first office secretary.
On October 15, 1948, Mariella was united in marriage with Albert “Tod” Leclerc in Lyons, Kansas. He preceded her in death on August 26, 1989. On March 12, 1992, Mariella was united in marriage with Dean M. Sawin in Lyons. He preceded her in death on July 22, 2005.
She is also preceded in death by her parents; five brothers, Cecil Tobias, Raymond Tobias, Robert Tobias, James Tobias, and baby Arthur Tobias; and sister, Helen Long and daughter, Jamie Leclerc.
Mariella is survived by her son, Steven Leclerc of Hays, KS; two daughters, Connie Leclerc of Lafayette, CO, and Diane Leclerc Tehan of Xenia, OH; twelve grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
A visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M., Friday, April 22, 2022, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons, with family present.
Memorials may be given to Lyons Christmas Bell and Star Fund or the E.A. Tobias Family Fellowship (scholarships for Lyons High School students) in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.