Leah Denice Torgerson (Bingham), 73, of Springfield Missouri passed away on July 19, 2023, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer.

She was born April 17, 1950, to Lawrence and Glenna Bingham in Moses Lake Washington.

Growing up in Moses Lake she played clarinet in the MLHS marching band; she was in Job's Daughters International; waited tables at Elmers restaurant. Graduated Moses Lake High School in 1968.

Leah met her future husband a good friend of her brother Lawrence's on a visit to Oakland CA. The two were in the Navy together and dry docked on the USS Hamner in 1973. Leah went for what was intended to be a one week visit to see her brother that soon turned into a flourishing relationship between herself and Rod. The three lived together. During this time Leah cooked many meals for Rod and his shipmates, a true hostess. After being discharged the two were married in Moses Lake, Washington then located to Estelline South Dakota where Rod was from. They put their roots down in Brookings SD and eventually settling in Springfield.

She worked for O'Reilly Auto Parts for 20 years, retiring April 2017, soon after she was diagnosed.

Leah was kind, generous, and amazing wife, sister, aunt and friend. She loved her herb garden. She was always up for an adventure. Since retirement she and Rod have spent their winters in the sunshine of Jaco Costa Rica, she loved the beach and a good margarita. This past winter in Jaco was tough on her, but yet she loved being there. She was able to have the most compassionate caregiver during this last winter, Lizbeth. Lizbeth was able to return home with them and stay for three months, helping care for Leah allowing her to stay home, she loved listening to Jimmy Buffet.

She had a passion for cooking and baking her special "cheesy hot bread". An avid NASCAR fan, traveling all over to many different tracks. Her favorite driver being Kevin Harvick. Many Sundays, you could find them hanging out in the garage watching NASCAR with friends.

Leah and Rod have fond memories of spending time at Lake Poinsett, South Dakota the "Torgerson Cabin", especially "Christmas in July".

She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Rod, best friend and love of her life; brothers, Lind (Michele)of Moses Lake, WA; Lawrence (Charlene)of Spokane Valley, WA; several nieces, nephews, and many extended family members and close friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Lawrence; mother, Glenna; sister, Laurie and sister in-law, Teresa.

A sincere thank you to ~ Lizbeth, The Fremont Senior Living, Mercy Hospital, Integrity Hospice team and all the staff that made Leah's last days comfortable.

RIP my buddy, love, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend until we meet again.

At Leah's request there will be no service. In lieu of flowers a donation in Leah's name to the Alzheimer's Association to further research would be her wish.