Leatha Louise Mashke

Leatha Louise Mashke, 99, of St. Joseph, passed away Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at Royalton Manor in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, December 21, 2013 at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 404 E. Glenlord, St. Joseph, with Rev. Noah Headrick officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family Friday from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church. Those wishing to sign Leatha’s Memory Book on line may do so at www.starksmenchinger.com. Leatha was born November 30, 1914 in Benton Harbor to Edward & Anna (Ruess) Marceau. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School. Leatha’s family was her life and she loved staying at home to raise her children. Leatha treasured her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a very caring person and would help anyone in their time of need. Leatha took delight in gardening and making flower arrangements. Leatha is survived by her children, Ruth Ann (Edgar) Ross of St. Joseph, Judith Marcoullier of Suquamish, WA and Janet McPharlin of Huntington, CA; grandchildren Stephen (Elizabeth) Ross, Carey (Karon) Ross, Cheryl (Chuck) Bonnema, Michael (Connie) Ross, Susie (Ralph) Newland, Karen (Deszon) Coopman Claiborne, Stacie (David) Coopman Franey, Lori (Mark) Dawson, Shawna (Bill) Coleman, Marla (Glenn) Harchut, Joni (Ric) Teano and Kelly McPharlin; and twenty-eight great-grandchildren. Leatha was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Amil G. Mashke; two sons-in-law, Richard Marcoullier and Philip McPharlin; great-grandchild Bennett Ross; four sisters; and five brothers.