Leona Schilling
May 25, 1929 ~ April 3, 2020
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Leona M. Schilling, 90, of Miller, passed away peacefully Friday, April 3, 2020 at her son's home near Wessington, S.D., under hospice care.
Due to the current threat of the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions, a private family funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 10, 2020 at Reck Funeral Home, Miller with Rev. Brian Jones officiating. Burial will be at the Wessington Cemetery. A public service will be held at a later date.
Leona was born May 25, 1929, to Leo A. and Wilhelmina (Heitman) Murphy in Wessington, South Dakota. She spent most of her life living in the Wessington area. She graduated from Wessington High School in 1947. On October 1, 1949, she married the love of her life, Gerald Schilling. They spent 66 years together until his death in 2016. During those years, they raised four children: Debra, Jerry, Jane, and Dan.
Leona always knew how to make a house a “home” for her family. She spent many hours making sure her family was “taken care of”. As a grandmother, she was loving and supportive in every sense of the word. She was strong, independent, and courageous; and in her words, “so blessed”.
Although she would never admit it, she was a multi-talented woman. She spent many hours sewing, doing ceramics and painting; gifting many of her creations to her family, friends, and community organizations. In her most recent years, she took up the art of coloring.
She and Gerald created many cherished memories for their grandkids, nieces, nephews, and others who visited them on “the farm”. Leona was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Miller. Her faith was steadfast throughout her life.
Grateful for having shared her life are her four children: Debra (Bob) Zeidler of Rapid City, Jerry (Sherryl) Schilling of Centerton, AR, Jane (Dave) Heard of Rapid City, and Dan (Patty) Schilling of Wessington; 18 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; three sisters: Colleen Wiles of Anaheim, CA, Alice Boeding of Gilbert, AZ, and Anita (Pat) Peterson of Seal Beach, CA; one sister-in-law, LaVonne “Bonnie” Murphy of Arizona City, AZ; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; parents; one brother, Donald Murphy; two brothers-in-law, Richard Wiles and Donald Boeding; and son-in-law, Reno Veskrna.
Memorials can be directed to the First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 63, Miller, S.D. 57362
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Leona’s arrangements.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I enjoyed Leona's company greatly. Her grace, kindness and quiet humor were a blessing to us all. May God be with you.
Sorry for your loss. She will be missed.
Our Deepest Sympathy
Dick and Kathy Splichal
All of our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Great memories of coming to the farm and everyone went pheasant hunting.
Doyle and Kay
Leona, was such an uplifting spirit. He smile when she greeted you was warm and infectious. Stopping in to see her & Gerald was something I looked forward to. My sincere sympathies to all of your families
My thoughts are with the Schilling family at the loss of Leona. Your memories will see you through.
So sorry for your loss.
We are so sorry to learn of Leona’s death. Just the past two weeks as I set out the Easter decorations, I was admiring the eggs that she made. They are so finely done. She was an artist. And a very good friend to my mother. God rest her soul. Deanna and Norg Sanderson
Heaven truly gained another beautiful angel! I Will always cherish the times I cleaned for Leona and Gerald in their apartment in the Plaza – they treated me as if I were one of their children. I always had to sit and visit with them before I cleaned. My life is better because of Leona and Gerald Schilling!
Sending prayers to you all from the Peterson’s. She will be greatly missed and was a lovely person. Rest In Peace Aunt Leona.
Deb, Jerry, Dan & Jane & Families.
Thinking of you during this difficult time. There are many good memories of Uncle Gerald and Aunt Leona and as we used to say "the farm". I'm sure Uncle Gerald has a huge smile on his face welcoming her home.
Love, Dave & Nola & Family
I am so sorry for your lose. Prayers of peace and comfort for you all. Gerald and Leona were a blessing to our family. Our visits to South Dakota and the farm are treasured memories. Their home was always filled with love and joy.
Jane, Dave, Mikayla and Marissa and to Leona's entire family.. You all have our sympathy during this very difficult time. I hope the memories of your Mom (Grandma) will bring you peace and comfort. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Sending BIG hugs and love your way..
Deb, Jerry, Dan, Jane & Families
We were saddened to hear of Aunt Leona's passing. I have such fond memories of visiting "the farm" and all the great times we had. Our thoughts are with you during the coming days.
Love, Dave & Nola
Jerry
Sad to read about the loss of your mom. Know you are in my prayers at this time
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
Leona was such a special lady. We had fun times with Leona, Gerald, and their family. She will be SO missed by friends and her family. Will really miss my visits with Leona, always looked forward to them, had good talks and good laughs–hated to leave her, every time. She is a special angel in heaven for sure.
Bless all of you and know that we care so much.