Leonella Martha Blanke

Passed away Monday February 11, 2013. Leonella was born on July 18, 1927 in Detroit to the late Leonard and LaNelle (Davis) Wilcox. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Guy Jameson. Leonella graduated from Albion College and received her Master's Degree from the University of Michigan. She retired as a Media Coordinator from Kalamazoo Public Schools after 27 years. Leonella loved horses and was an avid equestrian. She is survived by her husband, Jack Blanke; children, Chris (Kevin) Ostlund, Ron Blanke and Barbara (John) Gumpper; grandchildren, Chloe, Estee and Phoebe Ostlund, Kathy (Tom) Thomas, Linda (Chris) Stuut, John, V and Ryan Gumpper and three great-grandchildren. Leonella is also survived by a brother, Leonard Wilcox and sisters, Linda (Trumam) Jordan and Nancy Taylor. A memorial service to celebrate Leonella's life will be held on Saturday February 16, 2013 at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007, with Rev. John Boley officiating. Memorial contributions in her name may be given to Albion College Equestrian Center, the Stockwell Library at Albion College or the West Michigan Cancer Center.