Leona M. (Faber) Schweitzer, 98, of Galena, IL, passed away at 12:30 P/M, Thursday, October 24, 2013, at the Galena-Stauss Senior Care Community.

Friends may call from 9 A/M to 11 A/M, Saturday, November 2, 2013, at the Miller & Steinke Funeral Home, Galena, where funeral services will be held at 11 A/M, with Rev. Stacy Cavanaugh officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena.

Leona was born on November 28, 1914, in Galena, the daughter of John and Margaret (Wein) Faber. She married George Schweitzer on June 17, 1939, at Waverly, IA. She was a homemaker, enjoyed gardening and taking care of the family's pet dogs. Leona was kind to everyone she encountered. She always had a thoughtful word to say, even in tough circumstances. She was kind to all of God's creatures, even down to the baby wrens that had fallen from their nest and she and George nurtured back to health with their gentle care. Leona was her husband's caregiver for many years after he suffered a stroke. George preceded her in death on July 1, 1978.

Leona was a graduate of Galena High School, class of 1933, and a dedicated member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. She loved to watch and feed the birds, play the piano, and listen to music. Leona formerly resided in Shadow Bluffs and moved to the Galena-Stauss Assisted Living Center in January of 2009. After a fall in her apartment the same year, she had lived in the Nursing Home.

Surviving are a brother-in-law, Robert Reynolds, of Tucson, AZ; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George; and sisters, Lucille Faber, Carrie Spongberg, Viola Reynolds, Grace Havens, and Evelyn Beilke.

A special "thank-you" to Leona's caregivers - your care and compassion will never be forgotten!

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church in Galena.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com