Willa Iris Derenge

DERENGE, Willa Iris, age 84 of Leonard, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 in the presence of her daughters. Willa was born on December 1, 1930 in Winding Gulf, West Virginia, the daughter of Earl and Clotine (Bailey) Farley. She married Charlie Derenge on November 28, 1948 and were married 63 years until his death in 2011. Willa was a longtime member of Rochester Hills Baptist Church and a former member of Covenant Baptist Church. She taught Sunday School for over 40 years and was the author of many children’s books. She had been employed as a Head Cashier for Kroger and was later employed as a bookkeeper for over 30 years at JVI Ministries. Willa is survived by her children Charlie Derenge, Jr., Donna (Rev. Paul) Madonna, Candace (Keith) Tucker and the late Karin Leachman. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, December 29, 2014 at Rochester Hills Baptist Church, 3300 South Livernois , Rochester Hills. Rev. L.E. Traxler officiating. Mrs. Derenge will lie in state at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment at Romeo Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Dr., Rochester. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Rochester Hills Baptist Church Tabernacle Building Fund.