Leona L. Schwartz, 103, of Bluffton, passed away Wednesday morning, Apr. 15, 2020, at Christian Care Retirement Community.

She was born in Adams County on June 24, 1916, to Jehu and Lydia (Maller) Gerber.  She married Ralph Schwartz in Wells County on Feb. 22, 1942.  Leona was his primary caregiver for the last seven years of his life, until he passed away on June 11, 2000.

Leona worked at Franklin Electric for 30 years, retiring in 1980.  She was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church.  She enjoyed quilting and cooking, especially making noodles.  Leona was the pillar of her family, and will be remembered as someone who loved to serve her family and simply spending time with them.

Survivors include a daughter, Susie Gerber of Bluffton; a son, Jim (Jan) Schwartz of Bluffton; a sister, Josephine Schwartz of Bluffton; four grandchildren, Corey (Erika) Gerber, Chad (Jami) Gerber, Rachel (Nathan) Mueller, and Jill (Aaron) McCormick; along with 17 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Leona was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Bonnie Lou Schwartz; an infant son, Thomas Lee Schwartz; a son-in-law, Russell "Butch" Gerber; eight brothers, Gaius, Alvin, Lloyd, Floyd, Edwin, Edward, Truman, and Sylven Gerber; and six sisters, Helen Gerber, Minnie Aschliman, Sarah Kipfer, Dorothy Gerber, Anna Isch, and Alice Schwartz.

Due to the restrictions from the Coronavirus Pandemic, private family visitation will be held at Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton.  The funeral service will be available for listening online at the ACCentral app or at www.blufftoncountry.com on Saturday, April 18, 2020, at 11:30 A.M., with Chad Gerber and Mark Gerber officiating. Burial will take place at the Apostolic Christian Cemetery.

Goodwin – Cale and Harnish Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

In effort to support Leona's grandchildren who are missionaries, memorial contributions may be made payable directly to Jim Schwartz.