BONITA A. LEITERITZ

Bonita ‘Bo’ A. Leiteritz, 63, Traverse City, Mich., formerly Wisconsin, died Dec. 2, 2011, at University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor.

She was born on June 12, 1948, to the late George and Beatrice (Logan) Betrus in Detroit. She was raised and attended school in Southfield, Mich., before entering college in Mt. Pleasant at Central Michigan University. While at CMU, she was introduced to classmate Brian Leiteritz. It was a meeting and relationship that would span several years and result in marriage as Brian and Bo were married on Aug. 8, 1970, in Mt. Pleasant. The two began their life together leaving Central behind making stops in Boulder, Colo., South Dakota and Wisconsin. As time marched on the family grew with the addition of three children, and Bo was certain they too would become proud Chippewa’s and graduates of Central. And with some gentle persuasion her dream became reality as both her boys and her daughter could display degrees alongside mom and dad.

She had a talented green thumb and for the many years in Wisconsin worked with a garden center sharing her passion. She enjoyed traveling and was able to make several trips abroad. Upon Brian’s retirement Bo wanted to be near the water and they made the move to Northern Michigan. She was giving of her time and volunteered many places including the Chamber of Commerce, St. Vincent de Paul, and her beloved Point Betsie Lighthouse.

She will be remembered as a loving wife and mother, for her outgoing personality, fun nature and giving spirit.

Survivors include her husband of over 41 years, Traverse City; children, Brett (Sarah) Leiteritz, Rochester, Mich., Heath (Katie) Leiteritz, Muskego, Brooke (Michael) McNeill of Great Falls, Mont., and many loving family members and friends.

Visitation is Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 2-5 p.m., at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City. A memorial service is Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 4 p.m., also at the funeral home, with Celebrant Tim Moeggenberg officiating. Graveside committal services will be held in Riverside Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be directed to The Scleroderma Research Foundation, online at SRFCURE.ORG (1-800-441-2873) or the Point Betsie Lighthouse, P.O. Box 601, Frankfort, MI 49635, also online at www.pointbetsie.org.

Well-wishers can visit the guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.