Our loving mother Ernestina, known to all as Tina, passed away peacefully at her home in Onekama, MI, on August 22, 2026, at the age of 87. She was born on March 16, 1939, in Corpus Christi, TX, to Jose and Cruz Garcia.

After marrying Nicolas DeLeon and moving to Onekama, she dedicated her life to her family as a devoted homemaker, raising her six children and helping care for her many grandchildren. Later, she worked for many years as a housekeeper for seasonal visitors and in the hospitality industry. Tina loved spending time outdoors under the canopy of her backyard trees and hosting family cookouts. She also enjoyed traveling to visit her children and extended family.

Tina is survived by her children, Irma Tibbitts (Douglas), Mike DeLeon (Amy), Mary Esther Smith (Kevin), Elizabeth Benchich (Jason), and Suzanna DeLeon; her grandchildren, Allen Gallop, Heather Carpenter, Noah Tibbitts (Tara), Noel Tibbitts, Nicholas DeLeon (Sierra), Matthew DeLeon, Kallie Rae Smith, Wesley Cabay, and Meghan Gerstenschlager; and her eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her nephew, Ray Reyes (Carol), whom she raised and cherished as a son. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her daughter, Carmelita Carpenter.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on October 3, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Onekama, where she was a lifelong member. A luncheon will follow. Interment for the family will take place at the Onekama Village Cemetery.