LeOna Karber

LeOna M. Karber, a feisty, loving, and very classy lady left this world peacefully March 11, 2013 to join the Lord, family, and many special friends in heaven. She was born April 30, 1919 in St. Johns, Michigan the daughter of George and Vi Lettie May (Crandell)Purvis. LeOna married Joseph Karber on July 29, 1944 in St. Johns and he preceded her in death on February 18, 1984. LeOna was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns, a member of the Altar Society, and a Eucharistic minister to the homebound. She was a previous member of Blue Star Mothers, the St. Johns Lions Club, and a Red Cross volunteer.

LeOna is survived by two stepsons, Gerald Karber and David Karber; two daughters-in- law, Donna Karber and Shirley Russell; 22 grandchildren, many great and great, great-grandchildren; her sister, Katherine Feneis; several nieces and nephews; and many, many extra-special friends. Along with her parents and husband, LeOna was preceded in death by sons, Walter "Sonny" Russell and Kenneth "Skipper" Russell; stepson, Richard Karber and two daughters-in-law, Shirley Karber and Joyce Russell; sister, Ruth Good; brother, Roy Purvis; great-grandson Brice Blackman, and several infant grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns, with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams presiding. Burial will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Osgood Funeral Home 104 East Cass St. in St. Johns on Friday from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. with vigil and rosary at 7 P.M.

LeOna loved life, family, and friends to the fullest. She had a passion for cooking and was a restaurant owner and cook at many area establishments, including the Clinton County Jail, the Aloha Drive-In, A&W, Wheel Inn, etc. Most recently, and until after the age of 90, she was employed by Tri-County Office on Aging serving meals in Ovid. Her love and spirit will live on in the hearts of all. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to her favorite charity: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.