Loretta Lou Leighton

Loretta Lou Leighton, 85, of Decatur, passed away on Monday, June 26, 2017, at her home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, June 30, 2017 at 11 AM at First Presbyterian Church, 119 E. Delaware St., Decatur, officiated by Pastor John Brown. Burial will follow at Lakeside Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family Thursday, June 29, 2017, from 4PM until 7PM at Newell Chapel, 83313 M51, Decatur. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church or the Decatur Food Pantry. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.newellchapel.com. Loretta was born on February 14, 1932, in Decatur, to Lee & Irma Osborn. After high school she attended Parson Business School in Kalamazoo. On September 4, 1951, Loretta married the love of her life, Keith Leighton, in Decatur. She worked as a secretary for Davis Elementary for 24 years. She was also the pianist and organist at her church for 30 years. Loretta was famous for her home-made pies and baked them every Sunday for whomever showed up for Sunday dinner, but also for church bazaars and community functions for years. She took great pride in all her children, grand children and great-grandchildren, as well. She made baby blankets for all of them and for hundreds of babies of friends and family. These blankets became ‘special blankies’ for almost all of those lucky enough to have one. Loretta is survived by her husband of 65 years Keith; children, Cathy (John) Duda of South Haven, Michael (Nancy) Leighton of Decatur, Matthew Leighton of Schoolcraft, Julie Leighton of Decatur and Gordon (Marisa) Leighton of Lawton; grandchildren, Amber, Little Jon, Keith, Amy, Michael, Parker, Kennedy, Karson, Lee, Ashley, Danielle, Derek, Brandon and Luke; 10 great-grandchildren; and sister, Buena Mae Kraak. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Lora Lee Mejeur; daughter-in-law, Trisha Leighton; brother-in-law, Frank Kraak.