Umeko "Ume" Leese, age 88 of Harrison, Arkansas passed away Friday, March 29, 2019 in Hollister, Missouri.

The daughter of Michisekei and Chiyo (Ura) Matsu was born on December 11, 1931 in Amami Island, Japan, one of eleven siblings.

Ume's life was her family and they were the most important thing in the world to her.  She was very devoted to them and especially to her husband George whom she met and married in Okinawa, Japan in 1960.  Shortly after marrying George, she worked very hard to become an American citizen. She took English classes and was very proud of earning her citizenship prior to coming to the U.S. when George was later stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. Ume always embraced her Japanese culture but was a true American patriot.  She became a fan of football, but her true passion centered around George's hobby of racing which led to her enjoyment of all things NASCAR. She would often surprise those around her with her knowledge of the drivers and who was leading in points throughout the season!

Ume was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, George Leese. She never stopped grieving for her husband of 55 years; however, she continued to live fully for her family. Her outgoing and positive personality touched many lives.

She is survived by a son, Dirk Leese of Harrison; a daughter, Diane Wilhelm and husband Patrick of Kansas City, Missouri; a sister, Hasue Miller of Carlisle, Pennsylvania; 3 grandchildren; Kelsea Wilhelm, Morguen Wilhelm and David Leese; many relatives living in Kagoshima-Ken, Japan and many other family and friends who will mourn her passing. Most notably, the Harrison Country Club "Thursday Lunch Group," comprised of RNC friends of both Ume and George.

Graveside memorial services will be held on Friday, April 5, 2019 at approximately 12:00 pm at White Church Cemetery.  Family and friends will gather at Coffman Funeral Home in Harrison at 11:30 to go in a procession to the cemetery.  A Celebration of Life reception will be held at the Harrison Country Club from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Friday.   Please RSVP to Neil at 741-2443.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ume's name to Soldiers' Angels on their website at www.soldiersangels.org or by mail at Soldiers' Angels, 2895 NE Loop 410, Suite 107, San Antonio, Texas, 78218.

Online condolences may be left at www.coffmanfh.com .