Leona Mae Soder

With deep love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Leona Mae Soder, who passed away peacefully on February 2, 2025 after a life well-lived and full of love.

Born on March 23, 1931, Leona was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, whose kindness, warmth, and unwavering spirit touched the lives of so many. She embraced every moment with gratitude, cherishing time spent with family and friends and finding joy in life’s simple blessings.

Throughout the years, Leona shared her heart through her annual Christmas letters, a tradition she cherished as a way to stay connected with the people she held dear. She found beauty in the small things—a warm hug, a shared laugh, the sparkle of a Christmas tree—and reminded those around her to appreciate these treasures.

Her life was a testament to the power of love, friendship, and resilience. She believed in the importance of holding loved ones close, never taking a moment for granted, and spreading kindness wherever she went. Her family and friends were her greatest joy, and she was endlessly grateful for the love and support she received throughout her journey.

As her time on earth gently came to a close, she faced the transition with grace and peace, surrounded by the love she had so freely given to others. While she will be deeply missed, her legacy of love, generosity, and unwavering strength will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

She will live on through those who will continue to honor her memory by living with the same warmth and kindness she shared with the world.

Her final Christmas letter reminded us that hugs are free but priceless, and that even in life’s quietest moments, there is always something to be thankful for. As we say goodbye, we carry her love with us, forever grateful for the gift of her presence in our lives.