Leona Stover, a cherished resident of Hoffman, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026, at the age of 103. Born on Sunday, March 4th, 1923, in Bartelso, Illinois, the daughter of Joseph Bergmann and Clara (Mensing) Bergmann. On July 19, 1949, in Carlyle, she married the love of her life, Edward Stover, and he preceded her in death on October 30, 2005.
Leona was a beloved matriarch, survived by her daughter, S2026 06haron Dickinson, and her husband Cary of Hoffman. Her legacy continues through her grandsons, Kyle Dickinson and his wife Leah of Aviston, and Brett Dickinson and his wife Samantha of Hoffman, along with her great-grandchildren, Shawn Dickinson, Ally Dickinson, Zoe Kalahar, Hunter Kalahar, and her great-great-grandson, Kohen. She also leaves behind several cherished nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, her brother Virgil Bergmann, and her four sisters, including her infant sister Mary Agnes Bergmann, and siblings Martha Petrea (husband Pete), Dorothy Restoff (husband Clarence), and Alvina Donnewald (husband Raymond, Leona now joins them in eternal rest.
A pillar of her community, Leona operated the Hoffman Supermarket, and later Stover Furniture. Her dedication to service extended to her role as a Pink Lady at St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia from 2006 to 2019, a testament to her caring nature and commitment to helping others. Her warm spirit and enduring love for her family will be treasured forever.
In remembrance of Leona, private family services will be held at a later date, followed by entombment at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Contributions can be sent to the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, or by calling (618) 532-3523. The funeral home is honored to serve Leona’s family. Those who wish to send condolences or share memories are encouraged to visit www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the funeral home’s Facebook page. To send flowers or a memorial gift to Leona’s family, please visit our Sympathy Store.
