Elisa Ranee Leibering Peters, 51, of Lamar passed peacefully in her sleep early Tuesday morning on August 8, 2022, in her home surrounded by her family.
Elisa was born June 8, 1971, in Tell City to Christian E. and Carole S. (Birchler) Leibering. She married Brian J. Peters on January 1, 1994, at St. Peters Church in Lamar.
Elisa was a science teacher at Heritage Hills High School, Vincennes University, and Indiana University. She had a passion for educating students and particularly enjoyed working with students planning on going into the medical and science fields. She was a lifelong learner who finished her third master’s degree this summer despite her battle with cancer. She cared deeply for all her students and worked tirelessly to prepare them for college and beyond.
Elisa was a strong believer in community involvement and spent countless hours helping others to achieve their goals. She was a 4-H leader for more than twenty years and loved spending her time outdoors and working with animals. She was an advocate for the Spencer County Habitat for Humanity. She was a lifelong member of St. Peters UCC of Lamar, where she taught young disciples and went on numerous mission trips within both the U.S. and Africa.
She is survived by her husband, Brian; three sons, Jacob (Chloe), Eddison (Mary), and Luke; three daughters Xia, Sadie and Katie; her mother, Carole; brothers, Phil (Jeannie), Shawn (Donna), Steve (Mary Beth) and Matt (Gala); sister, Andie (Joe) Vance; 52 nieces and nephews; and her faithful companion, Oakli.
She was preceded in death by her father, Chris and her nephews, Anderson and Parker.
In keeping with her passion for education in medicine and her dream of one day going to medical school, Elisa has generously donated her body to the Anatomical Education Program at the Indiana University School of Medicine. This gift will contribute to the advancement of health science education in the state of Indiana.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Peters UCC in Lamar on Saturday, August 13, at 11:30 a.m. There will be a time of remembrance and reflection at the church from 8-11 a.m. prior to the service. Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the family or directly to the Spencer County Community Foundation for the Elisa and Brian Peters Memorial Scholarship for students entering the medical and science fields.
