Leah Beth McCain-Settles, age 56, of Lexington, KY passed into the hands of her Heavenly Father on Tuesday October 24th, 2023, at the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital after a lengthy illness.
“Leah Beth” was a 1985 graduate of Owensboro Catholic High School. She was selected Class President as a sophomore, junior, and senior and was also Homecoming Queen. After graduation, Leah enrolled at the University of Kentucky where her servant heart, leadership, and love for others continued to shine. While a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority she served in several elected positions, received the Mary Jane Geddes Leadership and Panhellenic Order of Corinthians awards. Additionally, she served on the UK Student Activities Board and the University Vice-Chancellor committee. She was elected to the UK Student Government Association as a Senator from 1986-88 and as Vice-President from 1988-89.
Leah earned her undergraduate degree in Social Work in 1989 and was presented the Maurice A. Clay Leadership Award as the top graduating senior in the College of Social Work. That same year, she was honored with the prestigious Otis Singletary Outstanding Senior Female Award by UK President David Roselle. The Singletary Award is given to only one male student and one female student each year.
Leah next entered graduate school and earned her Masters Degree in Social Work from UK in 1991. From there her career included various social work positions with Shriners Hospital for Children, Good Samaritan Hospital, and Geneva Healthcare. Later, she transitioned into business development for Lifeline Home Health/LHC Group where she served in a senior position, earned their Shining Star Award, and later retired due to health concerns and to focus on her two (2) sons whom she adored.
Leah will be fondly remembered by her many friends and acquaintances whom she touched in special ways throughout her life. She was a beautiful soul with a big heart, especially for those in need and who were less fortunate. She accepted everyone for who they were and where they were. She had a servant heart but also a take charge and fearless personality. She never met a stranger and loved when she got the opportunity to share her faith. She loved to make people feel special and was always very protective of others. Despite her “messiness” as her friends and family will tell you, Leah was always an adventurous, compassionate, fun-loving, big-time extrovert. She made others feel comfortable, important, and loved by the way she would express genuine interest.
Leah was preceded in death by her loving parents Henry “Hank” and Sharon McCain whom she deeply loved. Hank & Sharon were steadfastly by Leah’s side when she was diagnosed with Gillian-Barre Syndrome in her early 20s and required lengthy hospitalization and subsequent rehabilitation in Lexington. They had a special relationship and bond, especially with Sharon who often spent long periods of time in Lexington staying at Leah and Brad’s home after Hank passed away unexpectedly.
Those left to celebrate Leah’s life and cherish her wonderful memories include: her husband, Brad Settles; her sons, U.S. Army Staff Seargent Braxton Settles, Ft. Campbell, KY and U.S. Marine Corporal Harrison Settles, Fort Meade, MD; her brothers, Scott H. McCain (Cindy) and Stephen McCain both of Owensboro; her nephews, Carter McCain and Randy Bell (Jennifer) both of Lexington, KY and niece Dr. Lauren Graves (Russell), Frankfort, KY; and a small army of long-time, close friends in Lexington that she loved deeply.
As you remember Leah, allow her life to inspire you to serve others. That was her fondest activity and brought her the most joy … other than being with and loving on “her two boys”.
Visitation will take place Thursday, November 2, 2023, 3 – 8PM EDT at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, 3421 Harrodsburg Road, Lexington, KY and Friday November 3rd 9:15 – 11AM EDT at Christ the King Cathedral, 299 Colony Boulevard, Lexington, KY. The funeral mass will be at 11AM EDT at Christ the King Cathedral. Burial will be at Lexington Cemetery.
Any memorial contributions may be made to the following: Hank and Sharon McCain Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Owensboro Catholic High School, 1524 West Parrish Avenue, Owensboro, KY 42301; Hope Center, P.O. Box 6, Lexington, KY 40588; Catholic Action Center, P.O. Box 324, Lexington, KY 40588.