Attica - Jimma Lou (Swearingen) Leaf, 86, Attica, passed away in the I.U. Health Arnett Hospital, Lafayette, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 8:58 a.m.
Jimma was born in Frankfort, Indiana on September 29, 1939. She was the daughter of the late Paul Van and Velma Louise (Metcalf) Swearingen. Jimma was raised in Frankfort, graduating from Frankfort High School. She attended nursing school in Lafayette where she met Ronald Allen Leaf and they were married on September 5, 1959 in Frankfort, Indiana. Together they were married for nearly 56 years until his passing on May 22, 2015.
Jimma and Ron built and operated Magnetic Devices together in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Jimma played an important role in the business, overseeing customer relations and manufacturing operations. They made their home in Crystal Lake beginning in 1971, where they lived for more than 30 years before moving to Attica in 2005.
Jimma was baptized in the Methodist Church. She enjoyed collecting unique items and had a passion collecting rocks and minerals. She enjoyed quilting, crafting and working in her flower garden.
Above all, Jimma loved her family and was proud of the generations that followed her. She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jimma leaves behind a son, Jeffrey (Beth) Leaf, Phoenix, AZ; five grandchildren, Adam Markstein, Ryan Leaf, Kaitlyn Liston, Scott Leaf and Amanda Leaf; four great-grandchildren, Liam, Lily, James and Julianna. She was preceded in death by a son, Steven Bradley Leaf; a daughter, Jayne Ellen Markstein; a grandson, Brian Leaf; a granddaughter, Sarah Markstein and a sister, Shirley.
A graveside service for Jimma will be held in the Riverside Cemetery, Attica on Friday, August 7th, at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.