April 14, 1921 — April 23, 2015

On April 23, 2015, Gladys Marie (Leeke) Kale died at home in St. Joseph, Michigan, of natural causes at the age of 94. In 1921, she was the fourth child born to Granville B. Leeke and Grace M. (Matthews) Leeke of South Bend, Indiana.Preceeding her in death were both parents, one brother: Wallace, and three sisters: Evelyn Ullery, Wilma Kramer and Dorothy Edwards. Gladys is survived by one sister, Laura Van Meter of Niles, Michigan. Her children are son, Richard (Freda), and daughters Pamela (Stephen), and Judy (David). Her greatest joys were her two grandchildren, Nathan and Natalie (Eric).

In 1942, in Bryan, Ohio, she married Richard Kale of Niles. They had sixty-six years together. Richard retired from REA Express after 45 years of service and Gladys retired as an Executive Secretary. They enjoyed traveling in their retirement years.

As a Mother and Grandmother she was always active in family life, spending time in sports activities, musical concerts and studies. After her husband’s death in 2004, she joined a Writer’s Group at The Box Factory to write short stories. She also enjoyed art classes given by two professional instructors and joined the Berrien Art Guild at The Box Factory. She loved using mixed media to make art for her family and friends.

She was a life member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Niles Chapter No. 332, Niles, Michigan and the Berrien Artists League, St. Joseph, Michigan, as well as The Modernettes Euchre Club of Michiana.

Gladys loved her flowers, garden, nature and the beautiful scenes of the four seasons.

A private gravesite committal service will be held at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Niles, Michigan. A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ, 3001 Veronica Dr., St Joseph. Michigan, on Saturday, May 9, at 11.30 a.m. with a light luncheon following. Friends and family are invited to visit at 10:30 a.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in her name to Area Agency on Aging and Hospice at Home, both of St. Joseph, Michigan.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.