Leora Jane DeBack

Leora passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, in Lansing, Michigan, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 10, 1936, in Connersville, Indiana, to Russell and Alice Samuels.

Leora was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was the greatest joy of her life, and she cherished every moment spent together. Around her dinner table, there was always room for laughter, love, and a delicious home-cooked meal. Her famous macaroni and cheese became a treasured tradition at every family gathering.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Leora devoted her life to worshiping the Lord. She found joy in God’s creation, especially tending her beautiful flower gardens and watching the birds that visited her yard. Hummingbirds held a special place in her heart.

Above all, Leora’s husband and children were the center of her world. She loved them faithfully and unconditionally, leaving them with a legacy of kindness, faith, and unwavering love.

Leora is survived by her daughters, Sandra O’Berry (Douglas), Susan Wade, Deborah DeRushia, and Karen DeBack; her son, William DeBack (Susan); her grandchildren, Kevin Snow, Paul Snow (Chau), Jessica Fields (Bradley), Brian DeRushia (Nicole), Brett DeRushia, Danielle De Leon, AJ Wade (Kayla), Abigail Brown (Nicholas), Alexander DeBack (Keeley), Chase DeBack (Brenda), Lora Sussex, and Alicia Sussex; and her great-grandchildren, Melvin White, Gracie Fields, Tyler and Samantha Snow, Kinsley and Koa De Leon, Mayson and Liam DeRushia, Gabriel and Charlotte Brown, Tavian Gaddy (Emily), Madison and Carson Hough, and Jacob and Ashton Sussex. Her friends and cousins, Maxine Corbus, Donna and Russ Dusseljee, and Earl Buskirk.

Leora was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, William DeBack; her daughter, Dena Ewing; her granddaughter, Patricia Sussex; her parents, Russell and Alice Samuels; and her sisters, Ramona Cook and Virginia Zwarts.

Leora’s love and faith will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

A celebration of Leora's life will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026 with visitation beginning at 1 pm until the time of service at 2 pm officiated by her son, Minister William J. DeBack at Burden & Patience Montgomery Funeral Home, 1806 E. Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI.

Please feel encouraged to share memories, photos and condolences with the family through this online guest book.