Delores Leftwich

Delores Virginia (Etter) Leftwich, age 83, of Kalamazoo, MI Died Tuesday, January 23, 2018, at the Upjohn Care Center. Delores was the beloved wife of Leonard Roy Leftwich, who passed away on December 9, 2017. She was present at his memorial on January 20 and shortly thereafter went to join him on their journey to the afterlife where they will certainly meet with their Lord. Delores was born December 8, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan, the only child of Clarence Alexander Etter and Anna Vilma (Torma) Etter. She was surrounded by a large loving family of aunts and uncles as a child and was very active in her church. She and Roy met at church camp and married in 1955. Their children Amy (David) Lehr, Kirk (Carson) Leftwich, and Kerry (Christina) Leftwich mourn her passing deeply. Delores also leaves behind to carry on her legacy grandchildren David (Lyric) Leftwich, Chelsea Leftwich, Joseph (Shirley) Lehr, John Leftwich, Mary (Adam) Johnson, Brenden and Kathleen Leftwich. There are seven great-grandchildren and many cousins who remember Delores' calm, joyful spirit with much love. Delores received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Wayne State University in 1956 and a Master's degree in Music Education from Western Michigan University in 1972. She taught music in Detroit and Kalamazoo Public Schools and gave private piano lessons for many years. She was the choir director and church organist for Stockbridge United Methodist Church for decades. Until she suffered a debilitating stroke in 2009 Delores was one of the most active and productive people on earth. She made her house a home in every way, raising her children to be hard working and caring adults. She gardened, sewed, cooked, kept house, ran two miles a day, and found time to volunteer extensively with her church, the Kalamazoo Nature Center, Boy Scouts, the Kalamazoo County Humane Society, Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes and other organizations. Her life was a testament to service in every way. Delores was also involved in several music organizations including Kalamazoo Area Music Teachers Association and Piano Guild. She and Roy could always be found at an Art Hop in downtown Kalamazoo, Music in the Park in Parchment's Kindleberger Park or in Bronson Park, or visiting Meijer Gardens with their grandchildren. Delores quietly and simply lived out her beliefs as a devout Christian woman. All who met her felt the love shining in her eyes, though she was a person of few words. She showed her love by deeds. After she could no longer demonstrate through actions, her presence alone affected everyone who met her. She inspired with her beautiful smile, her amazing eyes, and her gentle spirit. Through the services of Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. cremation has taken place; two trees will be planted side by side in memory of Delores and Roy Leftwich. A memorial service will be held at the Milwood United Methodist Church, 3919 Portage St., Kalamazoo, on Friday, February 16. Visitation with the family will begin at 3:00 p.m. with the memorial service following at 4:00 p.m. Those who attend are invited to join the family for a meal following the service. If you would like to make a memorial contribution, please direct it to Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes or the Kalamazoo Nature Center.