Leota Mae (Fritz) Kaufman Buckles

Aug 5, 1919 - Jan. 10, 2000

Leota Mae (Kaufman) Buckles, with her family around her, passed away on Monday, Jan. 10, in Carmichael, Calif., at the age of 80. She was born in Kokomo, Ind., on Aug 5, 1919.

She had lived for many years in South Bend, Ind., and was past president of the Delta Beta Chapter of the Sigma Alpha Sorority until she moved to Pacific Grove, Calif., in 1963 where she was a successful realtor. Her desire to seek new challenges led her to Felton, Calif., and a position as Assistant to the Chair of the Department of Economics at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Later in her career, she became a Psychiatric Technician and worked at Atascadero State Hospital, until she retired in 1985 when she relocated to the Sacramento area. 

She taught us to love and respect, and encouraged us to learn, travel and grow. She selflessly devoted her time and energies to the happiness and well-being of her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Lee Holmes of Folsom, Calif.; son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Annie Kaufman of Battle Ground, Wash.; grandchildren, Chris and Lisa Cotter, Ben and Hana Kaufman; sister, Cleo Mellinger of South Bend; and loving friends, Eloise Dominion of Mishawaka, Ind., and Joan Ware of El Cajon, Calif.

Now free to fly at God's feet —We love you. In care of The Lind Brothers Mortuary, Carmichael Oaks Chapel, 4221 Manzanita Avenue, Carmichael, Calif.

Sources: Ancestry.com and Newspapers.com

07/12/2025 EJS