Lea Ottley

FUQUAY-VARINA - Lea Eck Ottley, 85, of Fuquay-Varina, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025. She was born on August 29, 1940, in Buffalo, New York, to the late Linus and Ruth Eck. A woman of unwavering love and devotion to her family, Lea will be deeply missed by all who had the blessing of knowing her.

In addition to her parents, Lea was preceded in death by her sister, Donna Keiner (Helmut), and her brother, Linus Eck. She is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Bill Ottley; daughters, Laura Gardner (Robert) and Jill Shanahan (Mark); sons, John Billiar (Sharon), David Billiar (Susan), Stephen Billiar (fiancée Angela), and Todd Billiar (fiancée Tanya); sisters, Dae Bugl (late Paul), Ruth Ann Stroka (Dan), and Marilee Fuehrer (Bob); brother, Greg Eck (Joann); numerous nieces and nephews; sixteen cherished grandchildren; and ten precious great-grandchildren.

Lea will be remembered for her kindness, strength, sense of humor, and her deep love for family, which was her greatest joy. She dedicated her life to personal growth while balancing the demands of raising a family of six children. In her late 40s, she graduated from the University of Buffalo and went on to serve as Head Accountant for the Erie County Probation Department until her retirement.

A woman of many passions, Lea was a longtime member of the local violet club and loved tending her gardens, soaking up the sun. She enjoyed mysteries - whether reading or listening -and was an avid cyclist, riding alongside Bill as members of the Niagara Frontier Bicycle Club. Together, they logged over 14,000 miles, including a remarkable 3,620 miles in a single season. She also volunteered for many years as an usher at Shea's Buffalo Theatre and Studio Arena Theatre in Buffalo, NY, instilling in her children a lifelong love of the arts.

Lea delighted in collecting Hallmark and Precious Moments figurines and ornaments, a hobby that became a special way to connect with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A funeral Mass will be held on October 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Parish in Fuquay-Varina (1005 Wilbon Rd, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526).

She will live in our hearts forever.