Ruth (Zaleha) Lechleitner

Ruth (Zaleha) Lechleitner, 102, of Hastings passed to her rest peacefully at home surrounded by her family on February 22, 2016. The fourth of 10 children, Ruth was born December 13, 1913 in Bridgeport, Conn. to immigrant parents, Thomas and Anna (Krucovsky) Zaleha from Czechoslovakia.

After her 8th grade graduation from the nearby Seventh-Day Adventist Church School, Ruth worked 10 years as a "nanny", caring for the 3 children of Vincent and Mary Keating. She shared all her earning with her parents to help support the family.

In 1935, Ruth traveled to Delton, Michigan to be "maid-of-honor" in her sister, Anne and Clark Willison's wedding, that day she met the love of her life, T. Edward Lechleitner. They corresponded two years, resulting in their marriage on November 7, 1937.

Three years later they purchased a small 20 acre farm in Hastings, where they enjoyed raising their 4 children. The responsibility of caring for farm animals, bees, a fruit orchard and large garden, kept Ruth and Ed busy and happy as they sold and shared their produce with others.

Ruth faithfully applied the principle of Luke 6:38 to all she did for family and friends. Ruth was an active and devoted member of the Hastings Seventh-Day Adventist Church all her life. She loved leading and teaching in the children's department and also assisted regularly in the SDA Community Service Center for 50 years. She often could be found taking the clothing home to be washed and mended.

Her love for children and gift of nurturing brought her much joy as she spent nearly 50 years as nursery supervisor for the Hastings Presbyterian Church. Lasting friendships were made and she loved seeing the little ones grow up into mature responsible adults.

During her later senior years, Ruth found much pleasure in her postcard ministry, sending messages of encouragement to friends and family. Her radiant smile was a blessing to everyone, revealing her loving and gracious spirit.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, stepmother,(Katherine Matus Zaleha), husband Edward and 9 siblings.

Surviving are her 4 children: Nancy and Judy Lechleitner of Hastings, Shirley Bergstrom Bennett of Ooltewah, Tenn, and Tom (Linda) Lechleitner of Allegan, 6 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters-in-law: Adele Zaleha and Laurie Zaleha, and many nieces and nephews. These loved ones look forward to being with her again soon, on the resurrection morning, when Jesus comes back to this earth.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to yourstoryhour.org (1-800-987-7879). "your Story Hour" records true character building stories for children that can be enjoyed on CD's, radio or the web.
Address: P.O. Box 15, Berrien Springs, MI 49103.

A celebration of Ruth's life and her God will be held on Monday, February 29 at 11:00 am at the Hastings Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Pastor Jeff Dowell, officiating. Internment will take place at Cedar Creek Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2016 at the Girrbach Funeral Home from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm.