Obituaries

Leslie Joseph Ruditis, age 66, of Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, died at MyMichigan Medical Center in Sault Ste. Marie, on January 22, 2025. He was born on October 19, 1958, in Butte, Montana, to Joseph and Rose (Mendoskin) Ruditis.

Leslie moved to Sault Ste. Marie and never left. He graduated from Lake Superior State University. He was a pipe carrier for thirty plus years and a member of St. Isaac Jogues Church for many years. Leslie was an active member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He taught young children how to drum and sing the native traditional songs. He was passionate about teaching the traditional ways and how things were done. He wanted people to understand why it was done the way it was. Leslie was a man of great faith and very proud of his heritage. He was an amazing teacher for many things but especially his culture.

Leslie was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Rose; and sister, Stella Ann.

A Visitation will be held on January 27, 2025, at 12:00 Noon at Niigaanagiichik Cultural Building, 11 Ice Circle Chi Mukwa, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, with the Funeral Service starting at 6:00 PM followed by the Pipe Ceremony at 7:00 PM. A Traditional Ceremony will be held on January 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Niigaanagiichik Cultural Building.

Leslie’s final resting place will be Wilwalk Cemetery on Sugar Island in Sault Ste. Marie.