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Betty L. Leister, age 82 of Sturgis, passed away Tuesday, January 25th, 2011 at the Fairview Nursing & Rehabilitation Facility in Centreville, after a short illness. She was born on May 20, 1928, a daughter of Lloyd K. and Elsie (Furman) Hoffine. On September 2, 1950 she married Forrest (Ted) M. Leister in Constantine. He preceded her in death on December 2, 2005. They enjoyed 55 years of wedded life, camping, boating, fishing, traveling, gardening, and raising two daughters. In later years, their grandchildren and great grandchildren filled many enjoyable hours.
Betty attended St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Chicago, graduating in 1950. She earned her Registered Nurse Degree, realizing her dream. Betty pursued her career in the St. Joseph Co. Michigan area for her entire life. She worked as a nurse in the Public Health Dept., at Sturgis Hospital, and The Doctor’s Office, ultimately passing on her knowledge teaching in the Nursing Program at Glen Oaks Community College. In her retirement, Betty continued to be a caretaker for those ailing and in need. She ran errands, drove for doctor visits, shared food and provided comfort with a visit. For the last 4 years, she lived at Thurston Woods Villas, enjoying the friendship and community.
Betty is survived by two daughters, René (David) Daniels, Denise (Gregory) Mills, 5 grandchildren Amber Sahli LaBo, Darcy Daniels (Ryan) Ford, Ryan Daniels, Grant Mills and Brian Littell, 3 great grandchildren Brenden Shingledecker, Austin LaBo, and MyKenzie LaBo, 3 sisters Jeanne (Stan) Edgerton, Mary Bickle, Violet Hoffine, and 2 brothers Robert (Ethel) Hoffine and Jack (Hazel) Hoffine.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers Harry Hoffine and Harold Hoffine, and sister Barbara Hoffine.
According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. Relatives and friends will be received Sunday from 3-6 p.m. at the Eley Funeral Home in Centreville. Memorial Services will be Monday at 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church in Sturgis. Pastor Bob Keim will officiate. Memorials may be directed to the GOCC Foundation Nursing Scholarship.
