Marilyn Suzanne Leighty

Marilyn Suzanne Leighty, 84, of Grand Ledge, went to be with the Lord on October 31, 2023. She was born on June 15, 1939 in Kalamazoo, MI, daughter of the late Lawrence and Mildred (Moore) Brink. Marilyn went to school in Sparta, MI before attending Western Michigan College Campus School, and then gained her LPN at Bronson Methodist Hospital School of Nursing.

In Marilyn's early childhood years she lived in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Sanford Florida, and Sparta. During World War II the family returned to Kalamazoo. Marilyn married the love of her life, James C. Leighty on September 4, 1959. They were blessed with four children and 55 years of marriage. Marilyn and James lived in many different cities and different states before sinking their deep roots in Grand Ledge, MI.

Marilyn was first and foremost a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother attending countless sports and music programs for her children and then grandchildren. Besides being a proud mother and wife, her other great accomplishment was her nursing career at Bronson Hospital, Hayes Green Beach Hospital, and Mary Avenue Care Center where she lovingly cared for all of her patients. Her caring nature extended to all she knew including several people she considered honorary family.

Marilyn enjoyed traveling with the family, visiting all fifty states and twelve foreign countries. She also enjoyed reading, and spent many years doing genealogy research, finally co-authoring six family history books with Jim. She also completed his memoirs after his death.

Marilyn is survived by her children: Shawn (Ken) Lambracht , Chris (Anne) Leighty, Kelly Wright, and Mindy (Doug) Wood; grandchildren: Melissa (Steven) Graves , Patrick Lambracht, Andrew (Libby) Leighty, Josh (Brenda) Leighty, McKenna Wright, Landon Wright, Elizabeth (Zach) Barr, Joseph Wood, Erica (Chris) Watts, Leah Leighty, and Taylor Meehan; great grandchildren: Hunter Graves, Austin Leighty, Nala Leighty, Madelyn Leighty, Olivia Watts, Mckenzie Watts, and one great grandson on the way; her loving sister, Pam Brink, and lifelong friend Gail Berry "The Original Grove Street Girls". She is preceded in death by her parents, and husband James Leighty.

A private funeral service will be held. Marilyn was always very generous to those in need. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in loving memory to G.L.E.A.P., PO Box 402, Grand Ledge, MI 48837, Blessings In A Backpack, PO BOX 162, Grand Ledge, MI 48837, or the Eaton Siren Shelter, 520 Robinson St, Charlotte, MI 48813. The family has entrusted their care to Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. For online condolences please visit www.millsfuneral.com.

Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge www.millsfuneral.com