Thelma Ruth Leach

Thelma Ruth Leach, 78, of South Haven, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at  Grace of Douglas where she was receiving care. Born January 4, 1937 to Rex and Hazel (Goodrich) Empson of South Haven, Thelma grew up in South Haven, was crowned Miss Pancake of Glenn in 1954, and later married James D. Leach on December 7, 1960 at the First Baptist Church in South Haven.  Thelma started her civil service career as a police officer in South Haven in 1970. She later took a position as the district court clerk, and eventually Seventh District Court Magistrate until her retirement in 1989. Thelma and her husband James, married 51 years, lovingly raised three boys together and lived happily in South Haven their entire adult lives.   

She is preceded in death by her parents, by her husband – James Leach; sisters – Lucille Alfieri, Edna Alfieri, and Marion Bergstrom. 

Thelma is survived by her children – Dirk Leach (and wife Carole) of Mooresville, NC, Mark Leach (and wife Veronica) of Wildwood, MO, and Jim Leach (and wife Marcia) of Nashville, TN; five grandchildren – Ian, Tyler, Derek, Natalie, and Colleen; great grandson – Everett Dean Leach, and a sister – Beatrice Olsen of Bangor. 

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at the Lakeview Cemetery with Pastor Travis Wilson officiating. Thelma will be laid to rest next to her husband Jim.