Virla Lee (Landon) Cleasby

Virla Lee Cleasby, 81 passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at home on Schoolhouse Lake surrounded by love. Virla was born on January 14, 1944, in Lake Orion, Michigan, to Clarence and Phyllis (Barclay) Landon.

Virla's devotion as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend touched every part of her life. Her boundless love and gentle care shaped generations and will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She had a special way of making people feel that they mattered-through a thoughtful gesture, an encouraging word, gentle embrace, or the way she stood waving from the front door as loved ones drove away. Her listening ear and steady support touched the lives of many.

Virla attended school in Lake Orion until the family moved to Waterford, where she graduated from Waterford Township High School in 1962. She went on to attend Western Michigan University, earning her degree in elementary education. While at WMU, she met the love of her life, Gerry Cleasby. They were married on May 14, 1966, beginning a beautiful partnership filled with love, laughter, and faith.

Over the years, Virla and Gerry built a beautiful life together, from their time in Kalamazoo to peaceful days along the beaches of Lake Michigan an don the lakes near their homes in Waterford and up north. Virla and Gerry filled their days with the simple joys that made life meaningful-bowling, peaceful drives looking for deer, sharing meals at home or favorite restaurants, quiet afternoons reading on the deck, and cheering for their beloved Tigers, both from home and in Lakeland, Florida, during spring training. They treasured their travels with family and friends, always finding joy in time spent together.

Family was at the center of Virla's life. She and Gerry devoted themselves to their three children and nine grandchildren, cherishing every opportunity to support them. Their days were spent attending sporting events, band concerts, musicals, award ceremonies, and many other milestones that brought them pride and joy. So many memories and traditions were created around holidays and time spent on the water, tubing, fishing, and simply being together. They loved hosting family get-togethers, where food was always a highlight-pancake breakfasts, s'mores over the campfire, spaghetti made with homemade sauce from their garden, and ice cream for lunch at the Corner House in Gladwin. These moments, big and small, reflect the warmth, love, and togetherness that defined their life.

Virla and Gerry built a relationship that reached far beyond themselves, embracing family, friends, and their community. They spent many fulfilling years active in the Jaycees and Jaycettes, as well as Christ Lutheran Church, where they planned numerous events and generously served those around them. Virla dedicated her time and talents to the school and district PTA organizations within Waterford Public Schools. Her commitment to education extended beyond the classroom through her involvement with Delta Kappa Gamma, an organization that celebrates and supports women educators. She received numerous local and state awards for her leadership and service, reflecting her lifelong dedication to her community and the people around her. 

Virla was a championship roller skater from a young age through her teenage years. She and her sister Mary spent countless hours practicing together and the Rolladium as part of the Pontiac Skating Club, traveling across the country to compete and perform. Their mother lovingly sewed many of their sparkling costumes, adding her own special touch to each one. Those years were filled with music, laughter, and happy memories that stayed with her throughout her life.

Virla grew up surrounded by a large, loving extended family. Her mother, Phyllis, was one of fifteen children of Reuben and Alvina (McGary) Barclay of Lake Orion, giving Virla many cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins who remained important throughout her life. 

Her middle name, Lee, carried special meaning. She was named after her aunt, Virla Lee (Barclay) Ganfield. Coincidentally, her future husband's middle name was also Lee, and together they passed that tradition on-giving each of their children the middle name Lee as well. Another special connection they shared was the number fourteen: both were born on the 14th day of their birth months and were married on May 14th.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years Gerry Cleasby, daughter Melissa (Jason) Weimer, son Derek (Keri) Cleasby and daughter Elizabeth (Eric) Carlson. She was Gram to her nine grandchildren who were the light of her life and she would brag about them to anyone who would listen: Tyler Cleasby, Marshall Weimer, Nolan Weimer, Kyle (Sydney) Cleasby, Deanna Carlson, Ryan Cleasby, Ally Carlson, Bryce Cleasby, and Drew Carlson. She is also survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, extended family and loving friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Phyllis Landon, and her sister Mary (Fred) Vollrath.

A celebration of Virla's life will be held at Christ Lutheran Church of Waterford on Friday, October 17, 2025. The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. followed by the celebration beginning at 11:00 a.m. All are invited to enjoy fellowship at a luncheon afterward.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ Lutheran Church's Pave the Way Fund (Parking Lot Project). https://tinyurl.com/tkhfj6s.3

Christ Lutheran Church
5987 Williams Lake Rd, Waterford Township, MI 48329
(248) 673-7331

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