Kathryn Marianne “Kathy ” Leonard
September 9th, 1940 - November 28th, 2022
Share Book of Memories with a Friend
Please enter the name and email details so that we can send your friend a link to the online tribute. No names or addresses will be collected by using this service.
Kathy's Obituary
Kathryn Marianne Leonard went to be with the Lord on November 28, 2022 with her loving husband by her side. Just a day earlier, they had celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary.
Kathy was born in Detroit, MI on September 9, 1940, the youngest of three daughters of John and Hilda Stewart. She lived in Detroit and Huntington Woods, MI, attending Berkley HS in Berkley, MI and Hampden Dubose Academy in Zellwood, FL. After high school, Kathy attended Taylor University in Upland, IN where she met her first husband, Donald Melton. Both Kathy and Don also attended Illinois State University in Normal, IL. Kathy and Don had three children: Tim, Sheryl, and Todd. Don died on January 1, 1974 at the age of 35.
Kathy was introduced to James Leonard on July 13, 1975 and they were married on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1975 in Deerfield, IL. The newly combined family then relocated to St. Joseph, MI where Kathy and Jim spent the next 47 years together.
Kathy was a fixture at Family Vision Associates in St. Joseph for more than 30 years coordinating and executing a myriad of office activities. As evidence of her fierce loyalty and commitment, she continued to work even as her health declined.
Kathy was a servant leader who exhibited that same type of loyalty in every facet of her life along with a heart of grace and unending hospitality. There was no bad time to give her a call or stop by for encouragement, support, or advice. She was a devoted friend to many and likely a mentor and role model to many more she didn’t even know about.
One of Kathy’s particular passions was helping women develop and strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ. To that end, she started the first Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class in St. Joseph. She impacted countless lives during her more than 25 years in BSF.
One of Kathy’s favorite roles was being ‘Mima’ to her nine grandchildren – spoiling them, nurturing them, and showing them the meaning of unconditional love. She also loved to play the piano every chance she had, and if you stopped by her house, you were likely to be greeted by the sound of one of many hymns that Kathy cherished.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Jim Leonard; children Tim (Deb) Melton, Sheryl Moerdyk, and Todd (Noelle) Melton, grandchildren Emma Melton; David Moerdyk, Ellie (Kyle) Wood; Payton, Lauren, Wyatt, Ian, and Ember Melton; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Don; parents, John and Hilda; sisters, Evelyn and Jean; niece, Susan Crowe; and grandson, Sam Melton.
Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, Dec 1 from 3-7pm at Starks & Menchinger Chapel at 2650 Niles Rd in St. Joseph. A service to celebrate Kathy’s life will be held at The Chapel, 4250 Washington Ave, St. Joseph on Friday, Dec 2 at 1pm. A private family graveside service will follow immediately.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Bible Study Fellowship, 19001 Huebner Road, San Antonio, TX USA 78258, https://www.bsfinternational.org/support/bsf-online/, The Chapel, 4250 Washington Ave, St Joseph, MI 49085, https://www.yourplacetobelong.com/, or the Rafiki Foundation, https://www.rafikifoundation.org/
Kathy was born in Detroit, MI on September 9, 1940, the youngest of three daughters of John and Hilda Stewart. She lived in Detroit and Huntington Woods, MI, attending Berkley HS in Berkley, MI and Hampden Dubose Academy in Zellwood, FL. After high school, Kathy attended Taylor University in Upland, IN where she met her first husband, Donald Melton. Both Kathy and Don also attended Illinois State University in Normal, IL. Kathy and Don had three children: Tim, Sheryl, and Todd. Don died on January 1, 1974 at the age of 35.
Kathy was introduced to James Leonard on July 13, 1975 and they were married on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1975 in Deerfield, IL. The newly combined family then relocated to St. Joseph, MI where Kathy and Jim spent the next 47 years together.
Kathy was a fixture at Family Vision Associates in St. Joseph for more than 30 years coordinating and executing a myriad of office activities. As evidence of her fierce loyalty and commitment, she continued to work even as her health declined.
Kathy was a servant leader who exhibited that same type of loyalty in every facet of her life along with a heart of grace and unending hospitality. There was no bad time to give her a call or stop by for encouragement, support, or advice. She was a devoted friend to many and likely a mentor and role model to many more she didn’t even know about.
One of Kathy’s particular passions was helping women develop and strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ. To that end, she started the first Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class in St. Joseph. She impacted countless lives during her more than 25 years in BSF.
One of Kathy’s favorite roles was being ‘Mima’ to her nine grandchildren – spoiling them, nurturing them, and showing them the meaning of unconditional love. She also loved to play the piano every chance she had, and if you stopped by her house, you were likely to be greeted by the sound of one of many hymns that Kathy cherished.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Jim Leonard; children Tim (Deb) Melton, Sheryl Moerdyk, and Todd (Noelle) Melton, grandchildren Emma Melton; David Moerdyk, Ellie (Kyle) Wood; Payton, Lauren, Wyatt, Ian, and Ember Melton; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Don; parents, John and Hilda; sisters, Evelyn and Jean; niece, Susan Crowe; and grandson, Sam Melton.
Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, Dec 1 from 3-7pm at Starks & Menchinger Chapel at 2650 Niles Rd in St. Joseph. A service to celebrate Kathy’s life will be held at The Chapel, 4250 Washington Ave, St. Joseph on Friday, Dec 2 at 1pm. A private family graveside service will follow immediately.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Bible Study Fellowship, 19001 Huebner Road, San Antonio, TX USA 78258, https://www.bsfinternational.org/support/bsf-online/, The Chapel, 4250 Washington Ave, St Joseph, MI 49085, https://www.yourplacetobelong.com/, or the Rafiki Foundation, https://www.rafikifoundation.org/
Service Details
View the current service details below. Sign up for email or text updates to receive notifications of any changes to service schedules or important information.