Leona Frances (Schumacher) Miller

Born in Muenster, TX, on October 30th, 1923, she was the eldest child of Henry and Elizabeth (Schniederjan) Schumacher and grew up in Gainesville, TX.

After graduating from St. Paul School of Nursing, she served in the Women’s Army Corp during World War II. Shortly after discharge from the Army, she married Paul Wiesmann. They had two children and in 1950, while expecting their third child, Leona became a widow when Paul was killed in an oilfield accident. To support her family, she returned to school and with the help of her parents and her maternal aunt, in 1953 she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Incarnate Word College in San Antonio.

In 1955, she married Air Force Seargent Benjamin John Miller of Ontonagon, MI. They were stationed in Schertz, TX, Dover, DE, and Bermuda. During that time they had four more children. Upon Ben’s retirement from the military, they settled their family in Dallas, TX and were blessed with one more baby girl. Leona cared for the children and established the family’s participation in parish organizations at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church and attendance at the parochial school.

In 1968 she returned to her nursing career in the new Cardiac Care Unit at St. Paul’s Hospital and later at Laboure Rehabilitation Center. She retired in 1988.

Her commitment to her Catholic faith was shown as a Girl Scout leader, CCD teacher, lector for Mass, Eucharistic Minister especially to the home-bound, Meals-on-Wheels volunteer, member of Legion of Mary and the Women’s Guild, and charter member of Divine Mercy. Attending daily Mass, First Friday Devotions, and daily recitation of the rosary show the depth of her beliefs. She shared this conviction with many by being a strong Christian role model. In 2012, she was recognized for her dedication by being the first recipient from St. Cecilia’s of the Bishop’s Award for Service to the Church from Bishop Kevin Farrell.

Her last days were spent living with and being cared for by her children. An appropriate ending to a life spent caring for, praying for, and serving others.

Leona is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Elizabeth, her brothers, Richard and Henry (Junior), and her first husband, Paul.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Benjamin J. Miller, her children and their spouses, Paul (Deborah) Miller, Catherine (Larry) Simmington, Joseph Miller, Michael (Celeste) Miller, Mary Beth (Michael) Eager, Maureen (Greg) Hanson, Marcia (Clint) Baker, and Margaret (Garrett) Davis along with 26 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Mary Lou Schroeder and Melvin Schumacher.

The family is extremely grateful to caregiver Jackie Jenkins.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Oblate Missions, 323 Oblate Dr, San Antonio, TX 78216