Cleo E. Chase
1924-2020
Cleo E. Chase, 96, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, October 22, 2020. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years, Arthur J. Chase.
Cleo, a lifelong resident of Webberville, Michigan, graduated from Webberville High School in 1941. Cleo and Art were married in 1943 and resided in Webberville.
During that time, Cleo received her teaching certificate from Ingham County Normal in Mason while Art was serving in Europe during World War II. Cleo returned to college while raising 5 children and received her degree in Education from Eastern Michigan University. She began a 19-year career as a kindergarten teacher at Webberville Community Schools until her retirement in 1985.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church in both Webberville and Fowlerville, at various times, where she taught Sunday School and sang in the church choir. She was a charter member of the Women’s Advance Club and started the Webberville 4-H Club in 1953.
It was Cleo’s love of music that led her to become a member of various Sweet Adeline barbershop choirs in both Livingston and Ingham counties over the years. This love of music continued throughout her entire life as she entertained at various social occasions and eventually presented her with a most cherished and favorite pastime of playing piano three days a week at the Williamston Senior Center. It was there that she celebrated her 95th birthday with her many friends, still playing the songs that she loved. Ironically, Cleo could not read a note of music and played the piano beautifully by ear.
Cleo was a lifelong Detroit Tigers baseball fan right up to her last days, rarely missing a televised game. She was an avid reader and moviegoer and particularly enjoyed attending any event that her grandchildren participated in.
Cleo is survived by her children: David (Marsha), Marcia Maxwell, Steven (Joy), Michael (Teresa), and Jeffrey (Terry), 11 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, brother Silas Bement, brother Robert Bement, sister Helen Bigelow, and numerous nephews and nieces.
A private celebration of Cleo’s life will be held on November 14 at the Webberville United Methodist Church. Please consider memorial contributions in Cleo’s name to the Williamston Senior Center, PO Box 343, Williamston MI 48895.
A special thank you to nurses Courtney, Jessica, Singing Mary and Chaplain Russ of Elara Caring.
The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home.
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