Obituaries

Juanita Ann (Barens) McLeod, at the age of 87, passed from this life to eternal life in heaven, surrounded by family on August 22, 2025. She was born on August 26, 1937, in Pontiac, Michigan, to Frederick Bernard and Myrtle Jenette (Gray) Barens.

When Jaunita was the age of two, her family moved to Fibre, Michigan. She graduated from Rudyard High School with the Class of 1955. Shortly after, she married William George McLeod of Strongs, Michigan and together they had two children.

Juanita enjoyed the outdoors and working the farm. She worked several seasons at Pendills and Sullivan Creek Fish Hatcheries clipping fins. She was also active in the senior meals program at the Community Church in Strongs.

Juanita took great pride in tending to her milk cows and chickens, and she found joy in gardening and growing beautiful flowers. She skillfully preserved the harvest through canning and other time-honored methods, ensuring her family was always well cared for. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and abundance, filled with jars of preserves, the smell of fresh meals, and recipes that remain family treasures. She also enjoyed simple pleasures such as crocheting and playing Yahtzee, pastimes that brought both comfort and laughter to those around her.

She was a remarkable woman whose resourcefulness, warmth, laughter, and devotion to her family and community will be remembered with love for generations to come.

Juanita is survived by her two sons, Leland William McLeod and Mark (Judi) Frederick McLeod, both of Strongs; four grandchildren, Katrisha L. McLeod of Dafter, Michigan, William R. McLeod of Horton, Michigan, Laurie A. (Brian) Hower of Oregon, Ohio, and Samantha A. McLeod of Strongs; two sisters, Nancy (Ron) Ledridge of Laurel, Montana, and Judy (Rick) McMillian of Dryburg, Michigan; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Juanita was preceded in death by; her husband, William (Bill) McLeod; her parents, Fred and Myrtle; and brother, Jack Barens.

A gathering of friends and family will take place at the Community Bible Church, 29529 W. Hungry Hollow Rd., Eckerman, MI, on September 13, 2025, from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Due to severe allergic reactions to lotions and perfumes, we kindly ask you to come scent-free.

A sincere thank you to the Ball House of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the White-Wiles Home of Rudyard, Michigan, and McLaren Hospice and Palliative Care of Petoskey, Michigan.

Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.