Irma Jean “Dee” Leavitt
Irma Jean “Dee” Leavitt passed peacefully from this life at 5 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, at Greencroft Health Center, Goshen.
Irma Jean was born to Lee and Lilian (Hoffman) Schlager Sept. 24, 1927, in Canton, Mo. She graduated from Canton High School in 1945 and Culver Stockton College in 1949. On April 28, 1951, she married Ben G. Leavitt, who preceded her in death in 1984. She was also preceded in death by her parents, as well as a brother, Robert L. Schlager, and a sister, Dorthea Grace Schlager. She is survived by son, John (Jane) Leavitt, Nappanee; daughter, Ann (Chris) Gattis, Huntsville, Ala.; and a sister, Shirley Ann (Nathaniel Jun) Wagner, Kansas City, Mo. She was the ever fond grandmother of Alison (David) Stair, Nappanee, Andrew (Andy Schemm) Myers, Indianapolis and Ben (Krista) Leavitt, Nappanee. Her first great-grandchild is expected in November.
For many years, while raising her children, Dee served as a substitute school teacher in the Wa-Nee School Corporation. In 1981, she became the director of the Elder Haus Nappanee Senior Citizen Center and served for 20 years in that position. Dee was a member of the Nappanee United Methodist Church, De-Ja-Vu Sunday School Class, Nappanee Current Club, Thursday Club, Chi Omega Sorority and a variety of bridge clubs. She was an avid reader and loved entertaining family and friends. She was a loyal friend and neighbor, loving and nurturing mother and “Grandma Dee” was a doting grandmother to her extended family of grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, at Nappanee United Methodist Church. The service will be preceded by calling hours from 2-4 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Nappanee United Methodist Church, the Nappanee Boys and Girls Club or IU Health Goshen Hospice.