Obituary of Leha Ann Putnam

Leha Ann Putnam (née Benoit), 52, of Tucson, Arizona, passed on to glory on Nov. 20, 2022 with loved ones by her side, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Shelby Benoit; brother, Peter Benoit; and father-in-law, Ronald Putnam.

Leha is survived by her husband, Ronald Craig Putnam; her brother, Edward Benoit III; her sister, Jacqueline (Duane) Browski; mother-in-law, Sharon Putnam; brother-in-law, Mark (Andrea) Putnam; sister-in-law, Kimberly Miller; and nephews & nieces: Edward Benoit IV, Nichole Benoit, Cody Lapczynski, Ethan Putnam, and Emily Putnam.

Leha was born on Sept. 11, 1970 in Alpena, Michigan. Leha grew up in Alpena, enjoyed family, made lifelong friends, and graduated high school. She moved to Tucson, Arizona in her early 20s. Leha spent time as a waitress, a property manager at a couple different sites (which would eventually lead her to meeting her future mother-in-law), and then began her career as a real estate agent/realtor. In each of these fields she formed deep friendships due to her friendly, loving nature. In real estate - starting with new home sales to eventually resell, she helped people find their homes, but also made friends and lasting relationships along the way.

Leha loved her family and friends deeply; loved all animals (her pets and all the wildies in the yard), going to the zoos or desert museum; tending to her plants; traveling and road trips; going to movies (just to get a big thing of popcorn) or watching them at home; attending the theatre; playing games, cards, and cribbage; and helping others however she could. She was tenderhearted, loved to laugh, and a warrior/fighter to the end. If she gave you a smile, held your hand, hugged you, listened to you, or shared a moment, she always meant it.

The family wishes to express gratitude to the excellent treatment and care she received during the last 18 months from Arizona Oncology (Dr. Buscema and his team), Kami who took care of her often during chemo sessions, and the different staff members at TMC who looked after her.

For all those that prayed, sent positive thoughts and messages, and just kept encouraging her and the family, thank you. She felt all that love and deeply appreciated it.

We know she's always with us, all of the family, and her friends. We also know that she was greeted by those who loved her who have passed before.

Leha has been taken for cremation with a private family memorial to be held at a later time. She will continue on her travels and adventures while watching out for those she loved.

In lieu of flowers, in keeping with Leha's wishes, focus on only good coming out of her leaving us all so soon. In her memory, please consider planting a tree or donating in her name to a charity that would have meant something special to her - American Cancer Society, Alzheimer's Association, ASPCA, your local no-kill animal shelter, etc.

"Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever". – Psalm 23:6

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever". – Psalm 73:26

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Leha Putnam, please visit our Tree Store