It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Leshia Lynn (Fintel) Woodford, age 48 of Redwood Falls, MN, formerly of Paullina, IA, on Monday, April 7, 2025 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. The beloved momma, daughter, sister, granddaughter, and friend was in the presence of her daughters and loved ones as they celebrated her life and journey to her eternal home in Heaven. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2025 at St. John Lutheran Church in Redwood Falls with a livestream on the church YouTube page. Visitation will be held 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Friday at the church. Private sunset burial will be at Prairie View Cemetery in Paullina, IA. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Leshia Lynn (Fintel) Woodford was born November 22, 1976 in Salem, AR to Alan Fintel and Michelle (Morrison) Hohbach. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Paullina. Leshia attended Zion St. John Lutheran School through 8th grade and graduated from South O’Brien High School in 1995. Over time, she lived in many places, but everywhere she lived she made it her home. She went to beauty school in Le Mars, IA before settling in Redwood Falls, MN. Leshia was a truly radiant and unforgettable soul. While facing challenges in her life, she has kept her faith in the Lord and her unwavering love for her daughters. She will be forever remembered for her beautiful smile and joyous laugh, vibrant personality, a servant heart, loving passionately and immensely, being loud and proud, and her love for talking… to everyone! Leshia was passionate about helping others and found great joy in teaching the “littles” as a paraprofessional at St. John Lutheran School. She was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church and served on many committees as well as being a founding member of Partners in Education at the school. She would tell anyone to reach for the stars, love hard, sing at the tippy top of your lungs, dance like nobody’s watching, and keep finding those signs, especially things in the world shaped like hearts that remind you that you are so loved. Some of Leshia’s favorite pastimes were art and decorating, cooking, gardening, and caring for her plants and flowers. 

Leshia is survived by her beautiful daughters: Anna “Monkey” Michelle Van Riesen & Emercyn “Monster” Leta Woodford, both of Redwood Falls, whom she was incredibly proud of; partner Tom Madson of Redwood Falls; parents Mike & Michelle Hohbach of Paullina, IA; siblings: Shonna Keogh of Alexandria, Nichole (Daniel) Jacobs of Paullina, and Joshua Fintel of Council Bluffs, IA; sister of the heart Jamie Grady of Sheldon, IA; Marvin “Grampie” Fintel of Paullina; nieces & nephews: Jack & Sydney Keogh of Alexandria, Kaylee (Thomas) Nelson & Brenna Jacobs of Paullina; and many other relatives & friends. She is preceded in death by her father Alan Fintel, Alice “Grammie” Fintel, grandpa Junior Hohbach, & grandmas Corrine Hohbach and Marian Crawford.