Bonita 'Bo' Leiteritz

ANN ARBOR — Bonita Anne Leiteritz, 63, of Traverse City, formerly of Wisconsin, passed away Friday, Dec. 2, 2011, at University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor.Bonita was born June 12, 1948, to the late George and Beatrice (Logan) Betrus, in Detroit.Bo, as she was known to most, was raised and attended school in Southfield, before entering college in Mount Pleasant at Central Michigan University. While at CMU, Bo was introduced to a classmate, Brian Leiteritz. The meeting led to a relationship that would span several years and result in marriage; Brian and Bo were married on Aug. 8, 1970, in Mt. Pleasant. The two began their life together, leaving Central behind, making stops in Boulder, Colo., South Dakota and Wisconsin. As time marched on, the family grew with the addition of three children, and Bo was certain they too would become proud Chippewas and graduates of Central. And with some gentle persuasion, her dream became reality, as both her boys and her daughter could display degrees alongside mom and dad.Bo had a talented green thumb, and for the many years in Wisconsin worked with a garden center, sharing her passion. She enjoyed traveling and was able to make several trips abroad. Upon Brian's retirement, Bo wanted to be near the water and they made the move to northern Michigan. She was giving of her time and volunteered many places, including the Chamber of Commerce, St. Vincent DePaul, and her beloved Point Betsie Lighthouse.Bo will be remembered as a loving wife and mother; for her outgoing personality, fun nature and giving spirit.Bonita is survived by her husband of more than 41 years, Brian Leiteritz, of Traverse City; her sons, Brett (Sarah) Leiteritz, of Rochester, Heath (Katie) Leiteritz, of Muskego, Wis., her daughter, Brooke (Michael) McNeill, of Great Falls, Mont.; and many other loving family members and friends.Bonita was preceded in death by parents.Visitation for friends and family will be held from 2 until 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.A memorial service will take place at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the funeral home, with Celebrant Tim Moeggenberg officiating. Graveside committal services will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant.Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be directed to The Scleroderma Research Foundation, at SRFCURE.ORG or (800) 441-2873; or Point Betsie Lighthouse, P.O. Box 601, Frankfort, MI 49635, or www.pointbetsie.orgPlease share thoughts with the family at Bo's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Bonita 'Bo' Leiteritz

December 2, 2011