Obituary of Maxine Leazenby

Maxine Alysta (Passig) Leazenby, 94, born December 13, 1918 went to be with her Lord October 8, 2013. She and her husband, Ross M. Leazenby, Sr. made their residence on Yankee St. in Niles in the home that they built in 1947. She was the third of four children born to Henry and Molly (Rothenburg) Passig. She and Ross, Sr. were founding members of the Prince of Peace Church of the Bretheren on Ironwood Drive in South Bend, IN. Maxine was a lifelong resident of Niles, graduating from Niles High School in 1936, and was a homemaker all her life. During the WWII years, she worked at Simplicity Pattern Co. Later, she enjoyed working at Gary's Greenhouse (Gary & Marlene Kachur) for 20 years during the spring seasons. In the 1950s, Maxine was a leader in the Cass County 4-H club named the "Happy Clovers" mentoring dozens of school children. Many in her Yankee Street neighborhood enjoyed and took advantage of the 50-cent haircuts she offered to young and old alike to help meet the budget. At Halloween, children by the score came for her home made donuts fried fresh for the celebration. Her busy nature, constant smile and caring heart will be her legacy. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Ross, Sr. and sisters Glenna Leet and Louella Przybysz. She is survived by her brother, Howard Passig, sons Lynn Leazenby of Niles, and Ross (Nancy) Leazenby, of Owensboro, KY. She has 2 grandchildren, Bryan (Anne) Leazenby and Laura Leazenby (Jeff) McCain, and 2 great grandchildren, John Ross McCain and Kate McCain, all of Owensboro, KY. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15th at the Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main Street, Niles. Burial will be in the Mission Hills Memorial Gardens at 10 a.m., Wednesday, October 16th.