By the grace and mercy of God, Mrs. Leslie (Good) Samuelson, age 72, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. Leslie was born in Detroit, Michigan, on April 1, 1951, to her parents, Bill and Mary Good. Her name has Scottish origin meaning "Joy", and "Holly Garden" an appropriate name for a woman who grew to have a joy for gardening. After graduation from Anthony Wayne High School in 1969, in Whitehouse, Ohio, Leslie attended Cedarville College for her BS in Health Education and her MRS degree. Following graduation, Leslie married James Samuelson in Toledo, Ohio, on June 30, 1973. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past summer with a host of family and friends and 50th college reunion this past October.

God blessed Jim and Leslie with three children: Selena, Erik and Jason. Leslie was a passionate mother who loved her children and grandchildren deeply.  Her love for God and her family permeated every area of her life. As grandchildren were added to the family tree, Leslie embraced her role as a grandmother, nurturing and planting seeds of love. Leslie was a P.E. teacher for many years at Emanuel Christian School in Toledo, Ohio before moving to Allegan. In Allegan she worked for McDonald's handling their Public Relations and serving the community. Leslie and Jim attended First Baptist of Allegan, Michigan during most of their married life where they served for many years in the youth department and formed many of their lifelong friendships. After they retired to South Haven, they attended Lifebridge Church where they have continued to foster new relationships. Leslie loved to surround herself with friends and family and she never met a stranger.  She was known for her infectious laugh, her hospitality, her amazing cooking, abundant gardening skills, creativity, and for serving her family and friends. She volunteered weekly with the garden club of South Haven, arranging flowers for those in hospice care. She loved making life beautiful. Leslie enjoyed walks on the beach and the pier at sunset with the love of her life, Jim. She loved fiercely, lived passionately, protected loyally and supported so many through prayer. Leslie lived life fully. Her faith in Christ grafted her into the Vine, where she sought strength, courage, and endurance. Jesus was the Master Gardener in her life and the work He created was redemptively beautiful.

Leslie will be remembered and loved by her surviving family: Husband, James Samuelson; Children, Selena (AJ) Noel; Erik (Kendell) Samuelson; Jason (Melanie) Samuelson; Grandchildren: Axzander Samuelson, Genevieve Noel, Holt Samuelson, Alexandra Noel; Sisters: Brenda (Clay) Decker, Debbie Ashbaucher and Sarah (Randy) Southwell; Numerous extended family including countless nieces and nephews. She is preceded in eternal life by her parents Bill and Mary Good and her brother David Good.

Leslie's family will receive friends at First Baptist Church of Allegan on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM with the funeral service starting at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow the service in Hudson Corners Cemetery in Allegan Township.  Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Allegan, 1920 32nd Street, Allegan, MI 49010.