Leona Mae Schellenberg

Leona Mae (Buikema) Schellenberg, age 99, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, April 21, 2023. She is survived by four children: Thomas (Joan Young), Nancy (Donald Brightman), Robert Junior (Kathleen), and Ruth Sprague (Michael). Also surviving are brother-in-law, Herman (Cheryl) Schellenberg; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Robert Schellenberg and her daughter, Carol (Michael) Chase.

Leona was a graduate of Lee High School in Wyoming, MI and attended Grand Rapids Junior College. During the war, Leona worked as a secretary and on the assembly line at Kelvinator. A devoted mom and wife, Leona raised five wonderful children, cheerfully managing a lively household. She instilled a sense of adventure in her children and encouraged them to pursue new experiences.

Leona was active in her community as president of the Godfrey PTA and at Eighth Reformed Church, participating in the choir, Sunday school, and various women's organizations.

A generous, caring person, Leona formed many lifelong friendships and socialized with extended family living nearby. After Bob's retirement, they traveled the world and wintered in Florida. They visited Hong Kong, Beijing, Bangkok, Cairo, Jerusalem, most of the countries in Europe, most of our states, and Canadian provinces. She was an avid golfer at Ventura Country Club in Orlando, Florida, and Sunnybrook Country Club in Grandville, where she shot two holes in one.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, April 27, 2023 at Cook Funeral Home (West building), 4235 Prairie St. SW Grandville, MI 49418. The funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, April 28 at Eighth Reformed Church, 841 Burton St. SW, Wyoming, MI, with pastors Harry Koops and Howard Davis officiating. The family will meet with relatives and friends from 10-10:45 a.m. before the service. Following the service, lunch will be served. A private family graveside service will be held at Grandville Cemetery.

Our family thanks the staff at Sunset Manor and Spectrum Hospice for their loving, attentive care.

Memorial contributions may be made to Eighth Reformed Church Benevolent Fund or the Robert and Leona Schellenberg Scholarship Fund at Hope College. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guestbook online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.