Leone A. Whittum's Obituary
Lakeview-Leone (Nimberger) Whittum passed away on Sunday, January 16, 2022, following a short illness. She was born in Lakeview on February 4, 1933, to George and Cheerful (Young) Nimberger. When she was 4 years old the family welcomed cousin, Lewis Buckley with his children Jack (9), and Shirley (6) into their home. Leone then had a brother and sister. They attended school in Lakeview with Leone graduating with the Class of 1951. Leone married Laurel Behrenwald in 1952 when he returned home from the Korean War. They had one daughter, Linda Lou (Behrenwald) Grommes. Leone raised Linda through high school and college until Linda began her successful career with Upjohn in Kalamazoo.
In 1971 Leone married Gene Shaw. Gene owned a gem shop in Lakeview. After his sudden death, Leone began to develop her artistic talent. She painted pictures on polished stones and stone slabs as gifts for family and friends. In 1993 Leone married Al Whittum and they enjoyed 23 years of marriage before his passing in 2017. Leone also wrote poetry which was often in the newsletter from New Life United Methodist Church where they were members. After Al's death, Leone and Shirley moved into Lakeview Terrace and later moved to Baldwin House in Spring Lake to be near to Shirley's family.
Leone leaves her "cousin"- sister, Shirley Frandsen; "cousin"- brother, Jack (Deloras) Buckley; and nephew, Duane Tisdel.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Al Whittum; daughter, Linda Grommes; husband, Gene Shaw; parents, George and Cheerful; and niece, Marcia Tisdel.
A private burial will take place at the Nimberger plot in Lakeview Cemetery at a later date.
Condolences may be made by utilizing the guestbook at www.brighamfuneralchapel.com
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