Claudia Leone Chase

Obituary For Claudia Leone Chase

Claudia Leone Chase passed away peacefully at her home in Lake City, MI, on August 19th, 2025. Claudia was the beloved wife of the late Ricky Kay Chase and proud mother to the late Mark Justin Maxson and to Monica Jo Maxson.

Above all, Claudia treasured her role as a grandmother. Known lovingly as "Gram or Geema", her grandchildren, Alainna Maxson (Austin) and Hali Newcomb (Luis) were the light of her life. She found her greatest joy in supporting, encouraging, and celebrating them in everything that they did.

Claudia was a skilled beautician who owned and operated her own salon for many years. She later earned an associates degree in Veterinary Technology through Davenport University where she then used this degree to retire from Upjohn Co. as an animal technician after 30 years. Her deep compassion for animals was evident throughout her life, always opening her heart and home to those in need.

Claudia cherished spending time with friends and family, cooking, shopping and traveling. She took great pride in the log cabin home that both her and Ricky built together from the ground up.

Throughout high school, Claudia enjoyed cheerleading and 4-H, experiences that shaped her lifelong love of community, connection and leadership.

She is survived by her daughter, Monica Jo Maxson, and her grandchildren, Alainna Justine Maxson (Austin) and Hali Kay Newcomb (Luis). She was preceded in death by her husband, Ricky Kay Chase, her son, Mark Justin Maxson and several other family members.

Claudia was deeply cherished by her children, grandchildren, family and friends. Her legacy of love and kindness will live on in all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Animal Rescue Project, 219 Peekstok Dr, Kalamazoo MI 49001, or the charity of one's choice.. Funeral arrangements were made with the Burkholder Family Funeral Home in McBain and thoughts and prayers may be made at www.burkholderfunerals.com