Leila N. Klaiss
Leila Noah Klaiss, 80, of Charlotte, passed away at her home surrounded by her family on Friday, December 17, 2021, after a brief illness. She was born in Jackson, Michigan on May 19, 1941, the daughter of Elliott and Helen (Parks) Noah. Leila lived the majority of her life in Charlotte. She was passionate about her hometown. On June 19, 1965, she married Neil E. Klaiss at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte. In her own words “I’ve loved him since 5th grade”. Leila was the former editor of the paper here in Charlotte. Neil and Leila owned and operated Klaiss TV for 47 years. She had her own column called, Corners of My Mind. She was very active within her community. Her love for anything Charlotte was evident. She was instrumental in getting the 1885 courthouse moved to Bennett Park and active with the Court House Square Association. She loved to quilt, having made quilts for her 2 grandchildren when they were born. These quilts will always be keepsakes that will remind them of their Lini and the love she had for them. Lini was a name given to her by her first grandchild, Noah. This name would be used by those closest to her for the rest of her life. Leila had a razor-sharp sense of humor. She had her opinions and wasn’t afraid to voice them. She fought for what she believed in. She was a voracious reader and avid genealogist. She was able to trace the lineage of the Noah family and the Klaiss family. Leila was also a master gardener and took great pride in her gardens. She sometimes tried new recipes, much to the horror of her family. We, her family, will never forget the broiled grapefruit incident of 1981. We will miss her the rest of our lives.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Neil; daughters, Melissa (Paul) Martino of Durham, North Carolina, Libby Klaiss of Grand Ledge; grandchildren: Noah Martino of Alabama, Victoria Martino of Alabama; brother-in-law, Tony Hain; and honorary daughters: Anne Roiter and Elizabeth Siler
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Kathy Hain.
A celebration of Leila’s life was held on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at 3:30 P.M. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family received friends from 1 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. at the funeral home on Wednesday just prior to the service.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Leila’s honor to the Court House Square Association 100 W. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813 or the Charlotte Christmas Kiddies 111 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Leila’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.