Leatrice Joy "Boots" (McKenzie) Stetzel passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of April 6, 2022. Her father, Joe McKinzie, immigrated from Italy and settled in West Virginia where he and his bride, Belva Robinette, began a family. Boots was the youngest of 4 children, born on March 9, 1927. A coal miner's daughter, she was raised in a manner that inspired independence. Upon high school graduation, she moved to Fort Wayne to attend beauty school where she met the love of her life, Dr. Robert Stetzel.

Boots lead a full life as a proud wife, mother, and grandmother. She was an avid sports woman, who's sense of style made her popular in any setting. Boots was a swimmer and jogger during her child rearing years. She then became an avid tennis player and charter member of Wildwood Racket Club. She supported her husband's career as president of the local dental auxiliary. She was the behind-the-scenes foundation of her family.

She had 4 objectives in life: 1 - To be a devoted wife, 2 - To be a great mother, 3 - To be a proud housewife, and 4 - To treat herself well. All who know her would agree that she accomplished all of those things and much more.

Boots is survived by her two sons, Eric Stetze,l and Dr. Mark Stetzel; daughter-in-law Laura Stetzel; and three granddaughters, Dr. Jill (Jake) Torkeo, Kayla Stetzel, and Dr. Leah Stetzel.

In addition to her parents, Boots was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Robert Stetzel; and daughter-in-law, Janis (Petrick) Stetzel. In lieu of memorials, please enjoy a meal and a drink, preferably an Old Fashioned, at your favorite fine dining restaurant, and raise a toast to Boots. Calling will be Monday, April 11 from 3:00pm - 5:00pm at Covington Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home. Burial will be held during a private ceremony.