Leona Mae Little

Leona Mae Little, age 73, of Sterling, formerly of Ithaca, died Saturday, August 14, 2010, in Sterling, Michigan.

Leona was born January 28, 1937, in Ithaca, the daughter of R. G. and Lottie (Walters) Schlarf. She married Clifford J. Elliott in 1955 and married Lyle LeRoy Little in 1968.

Leona was a nurses aid and attending nursing school, when she stopped to start her family and be a stay at home mother. She enjoyed helping others, talking with her friends, doing crafts and sewing, bingo, shopping and gardening, growing her christmas cactus and african violets in her home. Nothing gave her as much joy as babies and her grandchildren.

Leona is survived by her children and step children, Bruce (Tracy) Elliott of Skidway Lake, Bryon (Leah) Elliott of Harrison, Diane Stager of Tawas,. Elizabeth (Robert) Hopkins of Breckenridge, Doreen Hitsman of Riverdale, Evelyn Elliott of Auburn Hills, Brenda (Kenneth) Haney of Ionia, Christina (Ryan) Greenhoe of Ionia, Scott (Dianna) Little of Ithaca, Raymond (Kathy) Little of Harrison, Roger Little of Harrison, Daniel (Patricia) Little of Harrison, Randall (Laurie) Little of Harrison, and Lyle Little of Saginaw; a whole lot of grandchildren and great grandchildren; her brothers and sisters, Shirley Gath of St. Charles, Ted (Laura) Schlarf of Perrinton, Robert (Olga) Schlarf of Ithaca and Harriett (John) Miller of Elwell; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandchildren, Jamie Hitsman and Matthew Haney; and her sister, Barbara Kanine.

Funeral services will be 1:00 pm on Wednesday, August 18, 2010, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, with Pastor Doug Strait officiating. Interment will follow in Eureka Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 18, from 10 a.m. until time of service.