Shelley Leiterman Obituary (1956 - 2022)

Mrs. Shelley K. Leiterman (Payne), 66, of Bullhead, AZ , Born on March 26, 1956, passed peacefully in her home in the loving care of her family, the hospice caregivers who aided in her peaceful transition, and in the presence of Heavenly Father, on the 26th of June, 2022 after her body became too tired and ultimately, shut down. Born in San Bernardino, California at Norton Air force Base, to parents Donna Clara Pritchard (Payne), birth-father Reinhardt Anthony Payne, and later, stepfather James (Jim) Pritchard, she lived in the San Bernardino area for all of her childhood and frequented the surrounding areas. She attended Pacific High School and later began working at The Plantation. It was at that time she met her husband, Gary Leiterman, while cooking a fried-chicken dinner at a mutual friends' house. That, as they say, is history. She then went on to work at The Mug for 31 years as a waitress and bartender. Shelley retired in 2012. Shelley and Gary struggled with having children, but were blessed with twins; Timothy and Cassandra! Shelley loved being a mother and adored her children as well as her role as wife. Her hobbies included gardening, cooking, camping & visiting the beach, fashion & shopping, occasional crafting, familial traditions; celebrating Christmas, especially, and being a Nana to her grandchildren. Survivors include her husband, Gary Leiterman of Bullhead, AZ; a son, Timothy Leiterman (& Veronica) of Banning, CA; a daughter, Cassandra Callihan (& Derek) of Hesperia CA, a brother, Mike Payne (& Dawn) of Menifee, CA, another brother, Greg Payne (& Susan) of San Bernardino, CA; 2 granddaughters, Emma & Paisley Callihan; and a grandson, Landon Cook, and several step-siblings, nieces, and nephews, and cousins. A viewing service will be held this Tuesday, July 5th, 2022 at 12:30pm at East Hills Community Church, 20660 Orange Terrace Pkwy. Riverside, CA. Burial will take place afterward at 2:15pm, at Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA. For those who would like to participate, immediately following graveside services, Shelley's family will head to the beach directly next to Balboa Pier to celebrate her life seeing as the beach was Shelley's favorite place. You may join us for food and beverages and watch the sun set as we reminisce about Shelley's life.