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Rachel Leazenby Obituary
NILES - Rachesl Ort Leazenby, 27, of Sunrise Lane, died at 9:14 p.m. Wednesday, December 24, 2008, in Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital, Dowagiac, Michigan from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. She was born on August 21, 1981, in Berrien Center, MI, to Eugene Michael and Mary Linda (Noggle) Ort. She graduated from Brandywine High School in 2000, attended Lake Michigan College and graduated from Bethel College in 2005. Rachel was a teacher at Grissom Middle School in Penn-Harris School System, South Bend, where she volunteered directing a dance team. Rachel attended First Baptist Church, Niles, where she sang with the worship team. She also attended Granger Community Church, where she volunteered at the Oasis. She enjoyed photography and had her own business Vineyard Photography. On November 25, 2005 in Wesley United Methodist Church, Niles, she married Jonathan Edward Lea Zenby, who survives. Rachel is also survived by her parents, Gene and Mary Ort; Jon's parents, Kevin and Margie Leazenby; grandparents, Theresa Leazenby, all of Niles, Margaret and George Rankel of Mishawaka; sister, Leah (Jeff) Banicki of Niles; brother, Josh (Jennifer) Ort of Albany, NY; nieces and nephews, Emma Banicki, Madison and Kennedy Ort, Krickett Dickinson, and Shelby Vernon; sister-in-law, Rachel A. Leazenby of Niles and several aunts uncles and cousins. Funeral Services for Rachel Ort Leazenby will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Granger Community Church, with Dr. Bob Laurent Bethel College, and Pastor Jim Wing of First Baptist Church, Niles officiating. Interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles. The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday in the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles. Contributions in memory of Rachel may be made to Kids Alive.
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Memories and Condolences
for Rachel Leazenby
Shaylyn Bush
January 24, 2009
Now after almost a month with out talking to coach L i realize how much of a influence she was on me as one of her students. I was blessed to Know,meet and talk with her.. She made a great teacher and i know she loved our school and being at our school( grissom) we will miss her.
Kyla (Reinhardt) Ewen
January 6, 2009
So sad to hear about the loss of one of my highschool peers. My prayers are with all those that new Rachel.
Kelly Jolliff (McAbee)
January 6, 2009
My deepest sympathies for such a tragic loss. I remember Rachel from cheerleading and basketball while at Brandywine. She was always so upbeat and happy. I know she will be truly missed. May God Bless you all and give you strength to get through this difficult time.
Coletta Quinn
January 6, 2009
To the family of Rachel Leazenby - May God give you the comfort and strength you need to cope with this loss of your loved one.
Coletta Quinn - Helen Davidson's daughter
Michele Kilgore
January 5, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies. I worked with Rachel at Mishawaka High School. Rachel was a very genuine person whom touched many peoples lives in a positive way. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and her kitty Lion.
Melissa Mercer-Tachick
January 4, 2009
Jon and family:
Please accept my deepest sympathies in this very difficult time. It is so apparent from the entries in this Guest Book that Rachel touched people deeply in everything she did: teaching, church activities, and interactions with family and community. Clearly, God continues to work through her even now.
I only knew Rachel through the spark she ignited in Jon, and though I haven't seen him since he left Albion, I still vividly remember how her presence in Jon’s life inspired him to do such tremendous work in his student teaching. My heart goes out to family, friends, and students. May God bless and keep you! Your Albion family grieves with you.
Sheila Wright
January 4, 2009
I met Rachael one time. she was truly someone you will never forget full of life and energy that just vibrated to everyone she met! Jon a little bit of her is en every one she met!
Alishia Yike (VanKirk)
January 4, 2009
I'am so Deeply sorry for your loss Racheal was a great friend to all and will be deeply missed .
Colleen Johnston- Hatami
January 3, 2009
Rachel was a delight, one of my favorite students. Her smile and kindness will be missed.
Aunt Kay and Uncle Ron Wingeart
January 1, 2009
To Rachel's Mom and Dad
to John, his sister, Rachael, and parents
to Rachael's sister and family
to Rachel's brother and family....
Please know that we love you very much, we will stay steadfast in prayers for all of us, for healing in our hearts, minds and spirit.
Our 27 years of memories will always make us smile and give us joy. You have all shared in the making of those memories.
Always with you,
Alyssa Nemeth
December 31, 2008
My preyers will be with the family ,she was one of my teachers !
Linda Schrader
December 31, 2008
My deepest sympathies to Rachel's husband Jon and the Ort family. I worked with Rachel at Mishawaka High School last year and during observations through Bethel. She truly looked for the best in all students and worked to be a positive influence in their lives. I'm sure she will be missed. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Phil Smith
December 31, 2008
To Family, I am in shock and so sad you all have been in my thoughts and my heart. Rachel was a light life here on earth. I thinking of all of you. Phil Smith
Nijah Russell
December 30, 2008
Mr. Leazenby I am truly sorry for Your loss and want you to know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Jason Duncan
December 30, 2008
To Jon and Family:
I can't believe I am finding out about this now, without having any real way to contact you or see you. I am deeply saddened to hear about this tragedy, and I know that God will keep you close in this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Dan/Brenda Knapp
December 30, 2008
Jon and Family;
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the peace of Jesus surround you during this most difficult time.
Brittany Williams
December 30, 2008
My heart goes out to you at this difficult time and in the days ahead. I will miss Rachel so much.
Stephanie Hill
December 30, 2008
I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and will continue to be.
Sydney Tom
December 30, 2008
We'll miss you!!
Tara McCarty-Hunsberger
December 30, 2008
Jon, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Betty Gentry & Family
December 30, 2008
TO THE LEAZENBY FAMILY.
We are deeply sadden to hear of your loss. We send you our deepest symphathy.You are in our thoughts during this time.
Katrina Daiga
December 29, 2008
Jon, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God's plan is never understandable but he must have really needed a strong angel.
Don and Leanna Vite
December 29, 2008
We are praying for God's peace and healing for you, John, and your families. We are so sorry for your loss. Psalm 116:15.
Carrie Muessig
December 29, 2008
Jon, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time.
Laura McGann
December 29, 2008
What a tragic loss. I am so very sorry. I was really enjoying getting to know Rachel at school (Grissom) and loved her energy, enthusiasm and excitement for everything she did. She cared deeply for the kids there. I am praying for your family. My life has been blessed by knowing her.
Shirley Bilger
December 29, 2008
Jon and Rachel's Family, I can not even begin to imagine what you are going through. Rachel was a beautiful spirit that gracefully touched everyone she came in contact with. We are all in shock to hear of this tragic loss. She was so young and had so much life to live. Rachel and I shared a passion for photography and I will never take another picture without thinking of her. God Bless all of you.
Carrie Sandberg
December 29, 2008
Jon, we are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We all will truly miss such a wonderful person, Rachel!
Connie Williams Sirovica
December 29, 2008
I am so sorry to hear about Rachel, Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Love always Cousin!
Jacki Inman
December 28, 2008
Jon, I am so sorry. My heart goes to you and to Rachel's family. Rachel will be missed by many, many people.
Lauren Bender
December 28, 2008
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Leazenby family. Rachel always saw everything so positive and had a smile on her face at all times. Jon, words are not enough right now and I am very sorry for your loss. I know how much you loved Rachel, as much as she loved you.
Rikki (Kaup) Jones
December 28, 2008
I was in Rachel's high school class, Teaching Academy, at Niles. I still remember her passion for teaching, but most of all, I remember her smile. You will be in my prayers during this time of sorrow. Rachel is God's hands now.
Angela Blocher
December 28, 2008
It is with great sorrow that I have to bestow my deepest sympathies to Jon and his family. It is a tragic loss to the world that Rachel was taken from us so soon. I had classes with Jon and Rachel at Bethel this past summer and their youthful enthusiasm helped me regain my motivation in teaching. I will never tie my shoes the same way again and I will forever eat a more balanced diet because of Rachel. She will always be remembered for her glowing smile, love for teaching and her love for Jon. God Bless.
Tammy Digirolamo
December 28, 2008
No words. My heart aches for you all and I have lifted you up in prayer repeatedly over the past days and will continue. I pray for comfort and peace and . . . there really are no words. We love you all, Tam and Fred
Karen Willoughby
December 28, 2008
Rachel will be missed at our school. God's timing is always best but VERY hard for us to understand as we will miss her especially at this time of year. God knew she had an important commitment to keep in heaven and she is enjoying the loving arms of Jesus on his birthday. May these special thoughts slightly comfort you and know those of us here will greatly miss Rachel.
Don & Angie Lierley
December 28, 2008
We had just heard about Rachel's passing and I would like to tell you that we are so sorry for your loss. Cherish your memories! We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Cindy Quick
December 28, 2008
To the Ort family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I had Rachel in school at Brandywine. She was a very sweet girl. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Cindy Quick
Judy Tacket-Oakley
December 28, 2008
Jon, May God bless you and comfort you in this time of great loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kimberly Richhart
December 28, 2008
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I graduated with Rachel and can truely say that she was a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time of loss.
Paul & Dorothy Topash
December 28, 2008
Gene, Mary, Jon, Leah, Josh, & all extended families of Rachel:
May you find solace in your faith and in the many memories you have of Rachel as you are wandering thru the loss of such a precious loved one. Hopefully as time passes you will be able to use this tragedy as stepping stones to a brighter future in helping others when in time of need. May you find the deepest comfort from your Source of your inner soul to know everything will be ok. Rachel is where she needs to be, little did we know it would be so early in her young physical life on this earth. Our deepest thoughts of love are with all of you.
Bonnie Woodlee
December 28, 2008
Words cannot convey the depth of sorrow at the loss of dear Rachel. She truly reflected the light and love of her Savior and I know she's with Him now. She will truly be missed yet the light of her sweet being will shine on.
Stephanie Herman
December 28, 2008
My thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies go out to Jon and his family. Although I did not know Rachel well, from what I knew of her and of what others spoke of her she was a truly amazing person and will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to Jon and Rachel's family and friends. With deepest sympathies.
Junell Broskey and family
December 28, 2008
May the Lord's spirit bring you peace,love, and understanding, during this time. My thoughts are with you.
Dondi and Chelsea Zender
December 27, 2008
My deepest sympathies go out to Rachel's family. My heart is truly saddened to learn of your loss. I met Rachel several years ago when she was teaching dance at Miss Kathy's School of Dance in Dowagiac. She taught my daughter and even though I did not know her very well, she was always a ray of sunshine. Her bright, sunny smile and truly genuine spirit will be greatly missed. I know all who met her were truly blessed to have known her and she touched the lives of many with her simple kind words and sincerity. May you find comfort in the knowledge that she is truly home with God.
Jennifer Hems
December 27, 2008
I didn't personally know Rachel but I substituted for her on 11/26. On 12/12 I subbed across the hall from her health class, and she offered her assistance if I encountered any unruly students. I really found her sweet and accommodating; I really wish I could've gotten to know her better like other staff members at Grissom. God Bless her family.
Deb Barber
December 27, 2008
Jon,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God help comfort you and your family.
Rachel Kyncl
December 27, 2008
Jon and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult and tragic time.
Rachel and Dustin Kyncl and Kids
Taylor Wood
December 27, 2008
Coach L was my teahcer at Grissom Middle School. I will miss her alot. You are the coolest. R.I.P. <3 your student
Carrie Bourgo
December 27, 2008
Rachel you are deeply loved and missed. You were one of my most treasured friends. I pray for comfort, understanding, and peace for Jon as well as Mary, Gene, Leah, and Josh. For all who knew Rachel we can rejoice that she is with God.
chelsea worsham
December 27, 2008
hi i was was one of her students i wanted to say im sorry for the loss and she was thebest teacher ever i will miss her alot i hope god will watch over you and your whole family
Brandon Murphy
December 27, 2008
My prayers go out to the family of Rachel as her family mourns the loss of such a wonderful person. Rachel will be greatly missed by everyone that she has ever come in contact with.
December 27, 2008
Rachel was a wonderful person who influenced all the lives she came into in a positive way. She was greatly blessed in her earthly life, and will be missed just as greatly. I offer my deepest condolence to her family. Rachel was an inspiring teacher, and as her student, I can only wish she was still with us.
Tara and Kyle Williams-Nichols
December 27, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Shellie and Jeff Korhorn
December 27, 2008
We are praying for your family. May God give you his comfort and peace.
Shellie and Jeff Korhorn
December 27, 2008
I still remember the fun time we had with you and Jon at Great America.
Will and Sarah Topash
December 27, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
John & Kelly Morgan
December 27, 2008
Racheal was our daughter's gym teacher at Grissom and we hope it gives you some comfort to know that the students there appreciated Racheal as a teacher and as someone who understood them. Zoe came home last Friday and spoke of meeting you and the fun they had playing football with the both of you. In the short time that we have known her she has truly been a blessing to us all. We pray that God's grace and comfort be with you and your family at this difficult time.
Kim Mauch
December 27, 2008
My family and I want to express our deepest sympathy to Jon and the surviving members of Rachel's family. Rachel and I worked together teaching gymnastics to preschool children and Rachel was truly a gift to everyone she touched. The numbness still lingers as I read these entries. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all-Kim Mauch and Family of Gymin' It Gymnastics.
Ginger & Taylor Henry
December 27, 2008
Jonathan and Family: I am so very sorry for your loss. Rachel is the sweetest, pure gold hearted, person I have ever met. She lit up a room with her smile.. Our prayers go out to all of your family.
Dave Barber
December 27, 2008
Dear Kevin and Margie,
I am so sorry for your loss. You, your family and loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan Armstrong
December 27, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with Rachel's family. She was a wonderful girl who has touched many lives. She will be missed by all.
Kathi Gray
December 27, 2008
My deepest sympathy to your entire family for your loss.
Amy Calderone
December 27, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to your family. May you find comfort during this difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Amy, Joe, Jacob, & Katelyn Calderone
Debbie and Adam Clement
December 27, 2008
Gene, Mary, Jon, and Family: I can't even say how sorry we are, and how much we miss this girl...Rachel was such a charming and warm spirit, with an ear to ear grin that would light up any room she entered, a true gift. Our love and prayers are with you, every moment, every day.
Chaplin Bill and Bobbie Bruneau, Cass County Road Chaplin
December 27, 2008
Dear Leazenby family,
Just a note to let you know we are praying for you and we are so sorry for your loss. May our Lord give you peace as you go through this difficult time.
Keeping The Rocks Silent
Rachael Clanton
December 27, 2008
Bittersweet is the only word that comes to mind. I'm sad that Rachel's not here, and can't imagine what Jon and the rest of the family are going through. Yet, I smile because I know Rachel's with Jesus--and I'm thankful we know that. Rachel was a great sister in Christ and a great friend.
I'm praying for Jon and the rest of the family.
Jim and Beth Kominkiewicz
December 27, 2008
Jonathan and Family:
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Albert/Nancy Williams
December 27, 2008
We the children of the Kingdom are standing just outside the Holy Throne Room of God, awaiting our call to enter into the Holiest of holies. Rachel just stepped behind that curtain into the presents of God to speak, face to face with Jesus.
Steve Mast
December 27, 2008
Jon and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. The few times I met Rachel, she seemed like a wonderful young lady, and this loss is tragic. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Brett and Janet Elms
December 27, 2008
We were so sorry to hear about your loss. It is bittersweat because at the same time, we are confident that she is in the loving hands of her savior.
Joe and Janice Hren
December 27, 2008
Jon & family-
You have been a part of our family for so many years and when Rachel married you she became a part of it as well. No words can express the depth of our sorrow for you and your loss. We know Rachel is with Jesus now but that doesn't diminish your loss. Please know that we will continue to keep you in our prayers as you walk through this difficult season.
In His Love and Grace,
Joe and Janice Hren
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