Marlene Rae Leitch

Marlene Rae Leitch, age 69, of La Grande, died June 23, 2009 at the Grande Ronde Hospital. A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 3, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Island City Cemetery. Viewing will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2009 from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street in La Grande.

Marlene was born on August 27, 1939, the daughter of Clinton and Elsie (Gillham) McIntosh in Walla Walla, Washington. She graduated from La Grande High School and in 1958 she married James Fredrick Leitch. They lived in various places but mostly in Redding, California until 1972 when they moved to La Grande. They owned and operated Racom on Cherry Street in La Grande. The marriage ended in divorce in 1973 and Marlene continued to operate the business until selling it a few years ago.

Marlene was a Master Gardner and loved to garden and do crafts. She has been a member of the Elks and the AARP. Family was very important to her and she was a very compassionate and giving person who lived her life fully and gave generously to charities.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Rene' and Bruce Duane Wise of La Grande; son, Jeff Leitch of La Grande; grandchildren, Max Wise and Aaron Wise, both of La Grande; great grandchildren, Trinity, Norah and Arianna, all of La Grande; brother, Glen McIntosh of La Grande; sisters, Marion Pittser of Arizona, Shirley Chrusoskie of La Grande, Marjorie Craddock of Anchorage, Alaska and Brenda Baird of Cove; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Marie Anderson and brother, Larry McIntosh.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Marlene to the Oregon Cancer Society in care of Daniels~Knopp.

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