Geraldine Leist

Geraldine Leone Leist (Farnham)
June 1, 1930 - January 11, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother at Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc Michigan, following injuries sustained from a fall.

Gerry leaves behind her daughters, Sherry Butler, Gale Clemmens (Bob), and her son Barry Leist (Jane). Her grandchildren Cedar Butler, Briana Butler, Mallori Butler, Jamie Clemmens (Anna), Eric Leist (Rachel), Kristen Leist, Lauren Lofthouse (Patrick) as well as 7 great grandchildren.

Gerry was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Farnham, Besse Minni (Rogers), Sister Dorothy Farnham, Brother Roger Farnham, loving husband Kenneth, her daughter Jill Lofthouse and her grandson Brian Clemmens.

Gerry was born in Fenton Michigan and was raised in the surrounding areas where she grew up farming with her family. After graduating high school from Hartland in 1947 she lived in downtown Milford and married her sweetheart, Ken, of 61 years in 1952. Later her and Ken were able to build their dream home in the country where she spent her time growing vegetables, and every color of iris imaginable. In her later years she was happy to return to Fenton to be close to family.
Gerry avidly volunteered and was an active member of West Highland Baptist Church for about 80 years, where she had many good friends. She sang and played the piano for the choir during church services and for other various groups. She was involved in numerous committees at the church as well as teaching Sunday School, guiding youth groups, being involved in Vacation Bible School, and was a member of American Baptist Women.

She was always busy in the kitchen. Monday was the day to visit her house as she would have baked 7 or 8 loaves of bread that day. Her and Ken catered for many years and she could often be found in the church kitchen cooking for different occasions, catering for weddings and numerous church functions.  She nurtured with food and many were blessed to have received some of those gifts of love. She volunteered wherever needed such as Meals on Wheels, where she delivered meals for about 50 years. She was also involved in the music program at the Christian Academy for several years. She was a living example of what she believed, to work hard, to be helpful to others and to be kind. We will miss her.

Well done, thou good and faithful servant . . . enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Matthew 25:21

Gerry had many friends and family and we feel that celebrating her beautiful life at a later date is the best choice for now to ensure that all of those who loved her can honor her together.

If you feel moved to do so, in lieu of flowers for Gerry and family you may make donation to West Highland Baptist Church Pavilion building fund.