Ann Leatz
November 17th, 1941 - October 16th, 2025
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Ann's Obituary
Ann Leatz, a gifted quilter, devoted wife, and beloved mother, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 16, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on November 17, 1941, on a small farm in Dowagiac, MI. Ann lived a remarkable life filled with creativity, hard work, and an abiding love for her family and community.
Ann was an accomplished artist in the quilting world—highly regarded as a teacher, judge, and innovator. Her unique appliqué technique, developed through years of dedication and craftsmanship, earned her numerous national awards and the admiration of quilters across the country. Through her teaching and judging, Ann shared her passion for quilting with others, encouraging creativity, patience, and joy in every stitch.
Outside of her artistry, Ann found great peace and pleasure in tending to her flowers and cultivating beauty wherever she lived. Her garden was a reflection of her spirit—vibrant, nurturing, and full of life. She also treasured the fellowship shared around the dinner table, where conversation, laughter, and love flowed as freely as the meals she so thoughtfully prepared. Those moments of togetherness were at the heart of who she was: someone who built community through care and kindness.
Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald Raymond Leatz, who passed away in 2019. She is survived by her four children—Juell Morning & Stephen Leatz of 29 Palms, CA, Donna Koprek of Chicago, IL, and Roann Leatz of Harrisburg, PA—as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members, and friends who will carry her memory in their hearts.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 2-5 PM on Saturday November 15, 2025, at Clark Chapel - Starks Family Funeral Homes, 405 Center St, Dowagiac, MI 49047.
Flowers are welcome, but the family requests donations to a local quilting guild, arts education program, or garden club in Ann’s memory.
A second service will be held for her Pennsylvania friends in Harrisburg at a date and time to be determined.
Ann’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with kindness, love, and creativity. Her legacy will continue to bloom in the hearts and hands of all who were touched by her warmth and wisdom.
To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit Ann’s personalized webpage at www.clarkch.com.
Ann was an accomplished artist in the quilting world—highly regarded as a teacher, judge, and innovator. Her unique appliqué technique, developed through years of dedication and craftsmanship, earned her numerous national awards and the admiration of quilters across the country. Through her teaching and judging, Ann shared her passion for quilting with others, encouraging creativity, patience, and joy in every stitch.
Outside of her artistry, Ann found great peace and pleasure in tending to her flowers and cultivating beauty wherever she lived. Her garden was a reflection of her spirit—vibrant, nurturing, and full of life. She also treasured the fellowship shared around the dinner table, where conversation, laughter, and love flowed as freely as the meals she so thoughtfully prepared. Those moments of togetherness were at the heart of who she was: someone who built community through care and kindness.
Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald Raymond Leatz, who passed away in 2019. She is survived by her four children—Juell Morning & Stephen Leatz of 29 Palms, CA, Donna Koprek of Chicago, IL, and Roann Leatz of Harrisburg, PA—as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members, and friends who will carry her memory in their hearts.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 2-5 PM on Saturday November 15, 2025, at Clark Chapel - Starks Family Funeral Homes, 405 Center St, Dowagiac, MI 49047.
Flowers are welcome, but the family requests donations to a local quilting guild, arts education program, or garden club in Ann’s memory.
A second service will be held for her Pennsylvania friends in Harrisburg at a date and time to be determined.
Ann’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with kindness, love, and creativity. Her legacy will continue to bloom in the hearts and hands of all who were touched by her warmth and wisdom.
To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit Ann’s personalized webpage at www.clarkch.com.
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