Patty May Leary

Patty May Leary, 78, of Carbondale, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

She was born September 2, 1947, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the daughter of Glen and Gladys (Bonner) Preston. She attended Fort Carson Academy High School.

Patty was employed with the Shawnee County Health Department for 18 years, retiring due to health.

Patty married Clinton Leary on December 29, 1963 at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, CO. From this union Patty welcomed 4 children, Mary Bachman (Dave), David Leary, Tina Leary (Chris), and Steven Leary (Stephanie), all whom survive her. The couple would later divorce. She is also survived by her soulmate of 28 years, Robert Palmer; grandchildren, Aerica Frye (Brett), Joshua Parnell (Jenna), Allison Myer (Tyler), and Lukas Leary; 7 great grandchildren; siblings, Joyce Waldron, Jerry Preston, and Paul Preston, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Roy Preston, Gene Preston, Rochelle Moreland, and Glenda Rudisill, and her ex-spouse, Clinton Leary.

Patty loved her family and will always have a special place in the hearts of those she leaves behind. She had a love for animals especially her 2 surviving fur babies and all those she lost. She enjoyed yard work and tending to her rose bushes, knitting, making baby blankets for her grandchildren, working on jigsaw and word puzzles, reading, and dancing. She and Bob took many camping trips together that he will cherish.

Patty’s wishes were for cremation. A Private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choosing.

To share a memory of Patty or leave a special message for her family, visit the guestbook below.