Lee Ann Luzius

Lee Ann Luzius, a lifelong resident of Battle Creek, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at the Bronson at Home Hospice Residence, where she had been a patient since December 31st. She was 88 years old.

Born September 10, 1928 in Battle Creek, Lee Ann graduated from Battle Creek Central, where she'd been active in Daughters of the American Revolution, debate and high school theatre. She continued her love of theatre by acting in several Battle Creek Civic Theatre productions (along with her father), and attending Barn Theatre shows when it was still called The Village Players. She also loved to dance.

Lee Ann had a long career at Sears, Roebuck, starting as a sales clerk in the junior and lingerie departments. She had a special knack for catching shoplifters, and soon became part of Sears' security force, graduating to head of security, a position she held for over 20 years. Small in stature, but keen of eye, she often pursued shoplifters into the parking lot, and even to their own homes. She once had a chain saw thrown at her, and a policeman fortunately intercepted a shoplifter just as he was about to point his sawed-off gun at her. She always thought she should have been a detective.

In 1954, Lee Ann married John E. Middaugh, and they had a daughter, Susan. Later, Lee Ann and John divorced, and in 1986 she married David Luzius, a marriage that lasted over 30 years.

Lee Ann encouraged and supported Susan's love of horses and enabled her to take riding lessons and show hunters and jumpers during her childhood and teenage years. She also instilled in Susan a lifelong love of reading and theatre. Later, Lee Ann would transfer her love and support to her grandchildren and their many soccer games, dance recitals, school programs and PhD ceremonies. Reading mystery novels, playing cards, attending musicals, watching detective shows, and adopting cats also occupied her time, as well as taking short trips and going out to eat with David.

Lee Ann is preceded in death by her father, Damon Baxter, and mother, Norma (Wright) Baxter. She is survived by her husband, David; daughter Susan (David) Freemire; stepsons Timothy Luzius, Michael (Meghan) Luzius, Richard (Michelle) Luzius and Jeffrey (Kimberly) Luzius; grandchildren, Ben (Kseniya) Freemire, Daniel Freemire, Kellie Freemire, Anthony Luzius, Casey Luzius, Emily Luzius, Elizabeth Luzius and Parker David Luzius; as well as special friends Richard Jager, Alina Ponomarova and Oleg and Svetlana Ponomarev.

A private graveside service will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery, with Rev. James S. Codde officiating. The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for Lee Ann during this past year. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan on Watkins Rd. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.