Eldred Harris
ISHPEMING -- Eldred R. Harris, 65, of 420 Euclid St., Ishpeming, died Saturday February 24, 2001 at Marquette General Hospital where he was patient for one day. He was in ill health for the past 2 1/2 years.
Eldred was born in Ishpeming to the late Llewellyn and Rose (Olsen) Harris on December 4, 1935. He was a lifelong resident of the area. He graduated from Ishpeming High School and Bradley University. He worked for Cleveland Cliffs, Iron Co. for 13 years and then owned and operated Harris Heating. Eldred was a past member of the Ishpeming City Council and a past Mayor. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church.
Surviving are one son, Steve Harris and one daughter Sharon (David) Cole both of Escanaba, four grandchildren Stevie, Michael, Joseph, and Helyn and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, John. Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 1, 2001 at 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Ilene Mattson and Rev. James Janofski officiating. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery. Friends may call at the Perala Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5 to 7 pm. Honorary pallbearers Angelo Tasson, James Gravedoni, John Snyder, Richard Lutey, Peter LeSage and John Wirtanen.
Margaret C. Leow
MARQUETTE -- Margaret C. Leow, 73, of 213 Sandstone Drive, Marquette, formerly of Rogers City, MI, died Saturday moring at her home while under the loving care of Lake Superior Hospice. Margaret is the mother of John of Marquette.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 2 pm until 8 pm at the Beck Funeral Home in Rogers City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday at 11 am at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Rogers City. Interment will be in held in Mount Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider the Lake Superior Hospice Association, 1414 W. Fair Ave., Marquette, MI 49855.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family with local arrangements.
Catherine FitzGibbon MacDevitt
MARQUETTE -- Catherine FitzGibbon MacDevitt, age 87, of 916 Cleveland Ave. Apt. 1, died on February 23, 2001. She was born on December 19, 1913 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the youngest of five children. She became a Golden Eaglet in the Girl Scouts. At 16 she graduated with honors from Scranton H.S., where she played center on the girl's basketball team. That same year, both of her parents died. She attended the Scranton branch of the Wharton School of Business; moved to New York City during the Great Depression, and worked full time as a legal secretary while attending St. John's Law School full time (three year program) at night. There she graduated sixth in a combined day and evening class of 300 students. She served as personal secretary to Judge Learned Hand, sometimes called the tenth Supreme Court justice, in New York City (approximately 1935-1937), was admitted to the bar in 1940, and functioned in a top secret position supporting the war effort. In 1942, she married Lieutenant James C. MacDevitt in Fort Benning, Georgia. 1944 and 1945 found her in New York City with two small sons, while her husband was in North Africa, Italy, and Austria with the 85th Infantry Division. A third son was born in 1946. After her boys were teenagers, she returned to the practice of law with the I.R.S. as the first female federal estate tax examiner in the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut area. She later worked for Emmet, Marvin, and Martin of Wall Streer, and for Marshall and MacDevitt of NYC and Long Island. She was a member of St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church in Great Neck, New York from 1945 until just before her death.
Her earliest childhood wish and dream was to become a mother. She stayed home to raise her sons. All neighborhood children were welcome in her yard, and fifteen were once counted at one time. She forbade teasing and taunting, and insisted on sharing and inclusion. In her suburb of well-groomed lawns, she allowed her children to build campfires and dig pits six feet deep in the side yard. Once she cracked a floor joist while doing somersaults in the living room with her son Larry and his friend. She oftern got down on the floor and played with her children and grandchildren, and relished their games as much as they did. She served as a Cub Scout den mother. In her mid-seventies she still played soccer with her grandchildren, climbed the fence in to the neighbor's yard to retrieve lost balls, and taught at least one grandson to swim. At that age she described Lake Superior as "refreshing" when she took leisurely swims on her visits to Michigan.
She was a fiercely independent woman of fine character who valued truth, honesty, fairness, hard work, and love. Three of her favorite slogans were "I'd rather you get a zero than cheat," " The most important possession a person can have is their self-respect," and "Hard work never killed anybody."
Waiting for her on the other side with open arms are her mother, Agnes Morahan FitzGibbon; her father, Michael J. FitzGibbon; her sister, Agnes (Sister Mary Paschal of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Order, Scranton) and her brothers, James, Lawrence, and John FitzGibbon; her sister Mary Claire (who died in childhood), her son, Jimmy MacDevitt, and her grandson, Shaun MacDevitt (of Marquette), as well as many uncles, aunts, cousins, and sisters-in law.
Surviving her are her husband of 59 years, James MacDevitt of Great Neck, New York; sons Larry (Mac) of Essex, N.Y. and John (Mac) of Marquette, Michigan; daughter-in-law and friend Darla Breckenridge of Essex, N.Y.; grandchildren Catherine (of Schenectady, N.Y.), Ben and Zak (of Essex, New York) and Matthew, Patrick, and Brian (of Marquette, Michigan), great granddaughter Jayne (Schenectady, N.Y.), her niece, Mary Claire Fitzgibbon (Latham, N.Y.); nephew Larry Fitzgibbon (Latham, N.Y.) and his wife Joanne; her law school roommate and dearest friend of almost seventy years, Catherine King Neaher (Washington, D.C.); sisters-in-law Sheila O'Rourke MacDevitt, Ann Kelly MacDevitt, and Julie Powers MacDevitt; and former daughters-in-law Maggie MacDevitt, (Marquette, Michigan), and Kathy (Frankenberg) Dunn (Marquette, Michigan).
Like most of us, Catherine was largely unknown outside of her family, but deeply admired, respected, and loved inside it. To us, she was more popular than any movie star, more distinguished than any politician, and grander than any queen. We look forward to being with her again when our times come. We are confident that even if we don't meet the formal requirements, her stubborn insistence on waiting for us will eventually pull all of us into eternal life on her coattails.
Friends may call at the Swanson- Lundquist Funeral Home from 5 until 8 PM on Friday, March 2nd. A parish vigil service will be held at 7:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 9:00 AM in St. Michael Catholic Church with Rev. Msgr. Jed Patrick officiating. Burial is in Park Cemetery, next to the grave of her grandson Shaun. Pallbearers are Catherine James MacDevitt, Patrick MacDevitt, Brian MacDevitt, Brian MacDevitt-Dunn, Ben Breckenridge, Jayne MacDevitt- Bernardi, Darla Breckenridge, Terry Delpier, and Toni Olavarria.
Memorial donations may be made to Lake Superior Hospice at 1414 W. Fair Avenue, Marquette, or to New Kids on the Rock, c/o Maggie Moore, 1115 N. Fourth Street, Marquette.
David John Lawry
ISHPEMING -- David John Lawry, age 60, of 724 Elliot Ave. Ishpeming, MI passed away Monday, February 26, 2001 at the Bell Memorial Hospital in Ishpeming.
David was born July 30, 1940 in Ishpeming to Irene (Tippett) and the late John H. Lawry. He was a lifelong area resident other than time spent in the United States Navy during the Cuban missle crisis in the early 1960's. He was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, Class of 1959. He retired from the Tilden Mine as a plant repairman in 1996, having spent over thirty years with CCI.
He was a member of the Grace Episcopal Church in Ishpeming. He was a lifetime member of the Negaunee Eagles Aerie #1944, where he had been active since 1981, serving as President several times, Past District, Zone and Regional Presidents. He loved Charity work, especially doing "Benefits" for needy people over the past fifteen years. He believed in the motto "people helping people."
David was an avid dog lover and a past member of the Ishpeming Beagle Club and leaves behind a loving companion "Lucky Dog," his springer spaniel. He loved to go camping with his trailer along with attending Country Music Festivals yearly, some of his favorite artists were George Jones, Sammy Kershaw and many others. He enjoyed making crafts, baking and cooking in his spare time, along with deer hunting in his younger years. David was a dedicated fans to the Detroit Lions his whole life.
Survivors include his wife of 15 years Leona Lawry of Ishpeming; his parents Irene and Bernard Vicary of Ishpeming; 2 sons- Bruce Lawry of Negaunee and Bernard Lawry of Ishpeming; a daughter Pamela (Mike) Timm of Ishpeming; step-children- Cindy and Michelle Martineau of Oshawa, Ont., Canada, John (Rayme) Martineau of AuTrain, and Penny Martineau of Ishpeming; a brother Tom (Laurel) Vicary of Houston, TX; a sister-in-law- Heather (Roy) Seabrook of Thessalon, Ont., Canada; 7 grandchildren- Joshua and Haley Timm, Kelcie and Ariana Martineau, Jonathan Lawry, Jordan and Dylan Matz; nephews- Sean (Diane) Vicary and Brent (Michelle) Vicary and nieces Colleen and Katie Seabrook. He was preceeded in death by his father John Lawry when he was two years old.
Funeral services will be held at 5:00 P.M. on Thursday March 1, 2001 at the Grace Episcopal Church with the Rev. Virginia Peacock to officiate. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Grace Episcopal Church from 1:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. on Thursday, where the Fraternal Order of the Eagles will hold a memorial service at 4:00 P.M.
Pallbearers will be Bruce Lawry, Bernard Lawry, John Martineau, Mike Timm, Fred Smith, Lee LaFreniere and Roy Seabrook.
A time of fellowship and luncheon will be held at the Negaunee Eagles Club following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be directed to the Cory Houseman Benefit Fund at the Ishpeming Community Federal Credit Union, a benefit in which David was the chief organizer of.
The Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements..
Edythe L. Olsen
NEWBERRY -- Edythe L. Olsen, 95, of Newberry, died Saturday, February 24, 2001 at the AFC home of Amelia Ames in Newberry.
At request, cremation services will take place with a memorial service to be scheduled in the spring.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
George B. Margetta
MARQUETTE -- George B. Margetta, 80, of 222 S. Fifth St., Marquette, formerly of Bessemer, passed away Sunday afternoon, February 25, 2001 at D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette after an extended illness.
Mr. Margetta was born on April 6, 1920 in Bessemer. On Christmas day in 1940 George married his classmate sweetheart, Kay. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
George served in the United States Army and was stationed in Naples and Rome, Italy. While raising his family he worked at a Pickands Mather Corporation Mine in Bessemer and in his later years he worked for the Bessemer Area Public Schools. George loved to garden and brought his green thumb secrets to Marquette when he moved here three years ago. He also had a unique knack for making outdoor yard ornaments. He enjoyed afternoon car rides and frequently drove several hundred miles enjoying the scenery. He and his wife, Kay, loved to feed the deer at Presque Isle. Additonally, George enjoyed visiting with the morning lobby friends at Snowberry Heights.
He will be sadly missed by his caring and loving wife, Kay, of 60 years who gave him endless comfort; his faithful friend and daughter, Patti (Bill) Nemacheck of Marquette; granddaughters, Lori Nemacheck of Marquette, Lynn (Eric) Nemacheck Bordson of Apple Valley, MN and grandson, Jeff (Carissa) Nemacheck of Marquette who gave their grandpa loving comfort and a lot of good laughs. George loved holding his two great grandsons, Nathan William Bordson of Apple Valley, MN and Kyle Jeffrey Nemacheck of Marquette. George will be missed by his life-long friends and family in Bessemer and Ironwood, Michigan, Waupun and Wausau, Wisconsin.
His family thanks Dr. Napier and Dr. Himes for their skill and their strength, as well as the staff at Marquette General Hospital. George's Family is also grateful for the peace and comfort and long talks about automobiles with Pastor Paul Weber, Pastor Bo Baumeister and Deaconess Betty Knapp of Redeemer Lutheran Church.
A memorial service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1700 West Fair Avenue in Marquette on Wednesday, February 28, 2001 at 1 p.m. The family will receive relatives and friends from noon until the time of services at the church.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Redeemer Lutheran Church.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assiting the family with arrangements.
Joseph Peter Catto
NEGAUNEE -- Joseph Peter Catto, 92, 404 Silver St. Negaunee died at 11:40 AM on Sunday Feb. 25, 2001 at Bell Memorial Hospital.
Joseph was born Jan. 30, 1909 in Negaunee to Peter & Martha (Stangoni) Catto and was a life long resident. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church. He was a gifted musician and he enjoyed watching television, especially sporting events.
Surviving are his sister and brother-in-law, Martha & James Coluccio of Negaunee, and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, John.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Thursday at St. Paul Catholic Church with Rev. John J. Shiverski officiating. Burial will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. The family will greet relatives & friends at a reception at St. Paul School following the service.
The Koskey Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Zada Easter Macaulay
LAKEFIELD -- Zada Easter Macaulay, 91, of Lakefield, died Monday morning February 26, 2001 at the Metron Nursing Home in Big Rapids with the loving support of her three daughters. Mrs. Macaulay had been residing in Big Rapids for the past three months.
Born Easter Sunday, April 11, 1909 in Lakefield Township, daughter of the late Robert & Zada (Wager) Bryers, Mrs. Macaulay had been a lifelong area resident. Except for hte 20 years in the Germfask area, Easter had lived on the family farm in Lakefield where she was born. A devoted housewife and homemaker, she formerly served on the Germfask local school board and was a substitute rural mail carrier. In 1946, she and her husband Archie returned to the Bryers farm in Germfask and Easter became active in the 4 - H programs and the West Lakefield Homemakers Club. She also volunteered her time to the Luce County Chapter of the American Cancer Society and was a member of the Luce County Historical Society both of Newberry. Upon retirement, she moved into their home next door, and her son Max and his family took over the farm. Until recently, Easter continued her involvement with her family, her gardening and reading.
Besides her parents, Easter is preceded in death by her husband Archie Macaulay in 1974, whom she married in 1927; two sisters Opal Bryers and Erma Richards; two brothers, Robert and Perry Bryers; two sons-in-law Berl Fossitt and Robert Hamel; and one grandson Stuart Hamel. Survivors include her daughters Rowena Hamel of Big Rapids, Jean (Harvey) Larivee of Lakefield and Grace (Ray) Ahtila of Curtis; her son Max (Susan) Macaulay of Lakefield; 16 grandchildren and 24 great- grandchildren; brother Harvey (Connie) Bryers of California; numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 1, 2001 at 11:00 am at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry with intermenty to take place at the West Lakefield Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral hom on Wednesday, February 28th from 5-8 pm.
The family requests that memorials in memory of their mother are directed to the Luce County Historical Society or the Luce County Chapter of the American Cancer Society in which Easter volunteered her time and efforts to.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Betty Harris O'Donnell
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL -- Betty Harris O'Donnell, 76, passed away at her home in Port Charlotte, Florida, on February 21, 2001. She was born in Marquette and raised in Ishpeming, where she graduated from Ishpeming High School, Class of 1943.
Known as Bek to her family and friends, she was a 60 year member of Marquette's Local 218 of the American Federation of Musicians. She enjoyed a career playing piano both solo and with jazz groups at clubs throughout the midwest and at USO facilities in the medwest and south during and after WWII.
After the war, Betty moved to New York where she raised her family and continued to play for benefits, community theatre productions and school summer programs.
She is survived by her daughter Ernestine, sons Robin and Todd, four grandchildren and three great- grandchildren. Her husband of nearly 50 years. Melvin Clifford O'Donnell, passed away in 1998.
Friends with remembrances of Betty are invited to share them with her family via email at odee@yahoo.com
Charles A. Mitchell
SCOTTSDALE, AZ -- Charles A. Mitchell, age 84, of Scottsdale, AZ, a long-time Upper Peninsula business and community leader died on Saturday, February 24, 2001 following a brief illness. He was born on May 29, 1916 to H. John and Beatrice Mary (Uren) Mitchell in Cornishtown, Negaunee.
He graduated from Negaunee High School where he proudly served as vice- president of his graduating class of 1934. After attending Northern Michigan University, he married J. Elaine Tislove on December 5, 1936 in Republic.
Chas began his 30-year career with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in 1947 in Marquette, retiring in 1977 as the Ishpeming District Manager, (serving most of the U.P.). He served on the Board of Directors of the Miners' First National Bank of Ishpeming and the Bay Cliff Health Camp. He was also a past president of the Ishpeming- Negaunee Chamber of Commerce. During his tenure as president, he was instrumental in forming the Ishpeming Diplomats. He was a member of the Rotary Club and the Odd Fellows. Chas was an active member of the Wesley United Methodist Church of Ishpeming, where he served in several leadership roles. He was an active fundraiser for a number of causes including Northern Michigan University, Bay Cliff Health Camp, and Israel Bonds. He was the Chairman of some of the largest fundraisers ever held in the U.P. honoring longtime banker and close friend Sam J. Cohodas.
Among his many hobbies and interests, one of his favorite activities was picking blueberries at his summer home near Gwinn and delivering many quarts of berries to friends and associates throughout the U.P. Chas also enjoyed golf at the Wawonowin Golf Club in Ishpeming and dancing, especially the waltz, with his beautiful wife of 64 years.
Chas is survived by his wife, J. Elaine (Tislove) Mitchell of Scottsdale; son Charles (Marilyn) Mitchell, Jr. of Green Valley, AZ and Castle Rock Lake, WI; twin sons Steve (Suzie) Mitchell of West Bloomfield, MI, and Dr. Peter (Rebecca) Mitchell of Albion, MI; grandchildren, Cynthia (Richard) Potter of DeForest, WI, Melissa (Charles) Goldman of Hingham, MA, Stephanie Mitchell of Charleston, SC, Justin Singer of West Bloomfield, and Peter J.E. Mitchell of Albion; great- grandchildren, Maxwell and Jacob Goldman of Hingham, and Nicholas Potter of DeForest; sister, Florence Campbell of Negaunee; sister-in-law, Margaret Mitchell of Negaunee; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Mae Young, Ivy Bath, and Eleanor Kirkpatrick; three brothers, W. John Mitchell, George Mitchell, and Archie Mitchell.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, March 2, 2001 at 11:00 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church in Ishpeming. The Reverends Bruce C. Hatch and Scott Harmon will preside, with burial at the Ishpeming Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the Wesley United Methodist Church. Visitation will be on Thursday, March 1, 2001 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming and on Friday, March 2, 2001 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the Wesley United Methodist Church.
Pallbearers will be Archie Mitchell, Boosta Stanaway, Allan Nelson, Joe Pietro, Douglas Mood, Ernie Piirto, James Smith and Rudy Maki.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to either: The Mitchell United Methodist Church Endowment Fund in Honor of Charles A. Mitchell, 207 Teal Lake Avenue, Negaunee, MI 49866 or The Charles A. and Joan Elaine Mitchell Scholarship Fund at Albion College, Office of the President, 611 E. Porter St., Albion, MI 49224.
David John Lawry
ISHPEMING -- David J. Lawry, age 60, of 724 Elliot Ave. Ishpeming, MI passed away Monday, February 26, 2001 at the Bell Memorial Hospital in Ishpeming.
David was born July 30, 1940 in Ishpeming to Irene (Tippett) and the late John H. Lawry. He was a lifelong area resident other than time spent in the United States Navy during the Cuban missle crisis in the early 1960's. He was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, Class of 1959. He retired from the Tilden Mine as a plant repairman in 1996, having spent over thirty years with CCI.
He was a member of the Grace Episcopal Church in Ishpeming. He was a lifetime member of the Negaunee Eagles Aerie #1944, where he had been active since 1981, serving as President several times, Past District, Zone and Regional Presidents. He loved Charity work, especially doing "Benefits" for needy people over the past fifteen years. He believed in the motto "people helping people."
David was an avid dog lover and a past member of the Ishpeming Beagle Club and leaves behind a loving companion "Lucky Dog," his springer spaniel. He loved to go camping with his trailer along with attending Country Music Festivals yearly, some of his favorite artists were George Jones, Sammy Kershaw and many others. He enjoyed making crafts, baking and cooking in his spare time, along with deer hunting in his younger years. David was a dedicated fans to the Detroit Lions his whole life.
Survivors include his wife of 15 years Leona Lawry of Ishpeming; his parents Irene and Bernard Vicary of Ishpeming; his mother-in-law Gertrude McKenzie of Bruce Mines, Ont., Canada; 2 sons- Bruce Lawry of Negaunee and Bernard Lawry of Ishpeming; a daughter Pamela (Mike) Timm of Ishpeming; step-children- Cindy and Michelle Martineau of Oshawa, Ont., Canada, John (Rayme) Martineau of AuTrain, and Penny Martineau of Ishpeming; a brother Tom (Laurel) Vicary of Houston, TX; a sister-in-law- Heather (Roy) Seabrook of Thessalon, Ont., Canada; 7 grandchildren- Joshua and Haley Timm, Kelcie and Ariana Martineau, Jonathan Lawry, Jordan and Dylan Matz; nephews- Sean (Diane) Vicary and Brent (Michelle) Vicary and nieces Colleen and Katie Seabrook. He was preceeded in death by his father John Lawry when he was two years old.
Funeral services will be held at 5:00 P.M. on Thursday March 1, 2001 at the Grace Episcopal Church with the Rev. Virginia Peacock to officiate. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Grace Episcopal Church from 1:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. on Thursday, where the Fraternal Order of the Eagles will hold a memorial service at 4:00 P.M.
Pallbearers will be Bruce Lawry, Bernard Lawry, John Martineau, Mike Timm, Fred Smith, Lee LaFreniere and Roy Seabrook.
A time of fellowship and luncheon will be held at the Negaunee Eagles Club following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be directed to the Cory Houseman Benefit Fund at the Ishpeming Community Federal Credit Union, a benefit in which David was the chief organizer of.
The Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Edward Oja
CHATHAM -- Edward Oja, age 79, of Samuelson Road, Chatham, died on Friday, February 23, 2001 at 6:40 p.m. at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette, Michigan. He was born on December 4, 1921 in Slapneck, Michigan to the late Jack and Mary (Koski) Oja. Edward was a lifetime Chatham resident. During WWII, he served in the U.S. Army in the European-African- Middle Eastern Theater. Included in his ribbons and citations was the Purple Heart which he was awarded after being wounded in Italy. On July 2, 1949, Edward married Clara Mabel Rex. They were married over forty-four years before she preceded him in death on October 23, 1993. Edward had worked in the woods and he enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Six great-nephews, Dan, Mike and Nathan Niemi and Len, Ken and John Clapp survive him. Besides his parents and Clara, brothers, Walter and Eino Oja, and sisters, Ellen Sjostrand, Aili Clapp, Vienna Oja, and Lillian preceded him in death.
No services are scheduled at this time, but a memorial graveside service will be conducted at a later date.
Leta Marie Shepley
AUTRAIN/ FOREST LAKE -- Leta Marie Shepley, age 54, of Bradenton, Florida and formerly of Forest Lake and AuTrain, died following a brief illness on Friday, February 23, 2001 at the Blake Medical Center in Bradenton, Florida. Leta was born on June 13, 1946 in Munising, Michigan to the late Earl and Lorraine Shepley. She was raised in Forest Lake and attended Eben High School. Leta grew up as a member of St. Therese Catholic Church in AuTrain. Prior to moving to Palmetto, Florida with her mother in 1994, Leta lived in Marquette and had worked at the Sheltered Workshop for many years. She enjoyed working with crafts and she loved playing BINGO.
She is survived by two sisters and one brother- Jane (Lloyd) Makela of Lady Lake, Florida, Andy (Mary) Shepley of AuTrain, MI, and Mary (Bruce) Ruska of Waupun, WI; 8 nieces and nephews- Ken and Mike Makela, Kari White, Deborah, Jamie, Andrew, and Frances Shepley, and Jeffrey Ruska; 5 grandnieces and 2 grandnephews; and an aunt- Irene (Ralph) Eagle of Gladstone. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Lorraine Shepley, and a niece Michelle Shepley.
The visitation and funeral will be on Thursday, March 1, 2001 at St. Therese Catholic Church in AuTrain. Friends and family may call at the church from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., at which time a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Thomas Thekkel. Interment will be at the Mathias Township Cemetery in Trenary, Michigan. Following the services, a fellowship luncheon will take place at the residence of Andy and Mary Shepley.
