Leona L. Carter

Leona L. Carter, nee Middendorf, 77, of New Athens, IL, born June 29, 1934 in St. Libory, IL, died Friday, May 18, 2012 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Belleville, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Elizabeth, nee Korte, Middendorf; two sisters, Lydia Luecking, and Germaine Reuss; and a brother, Hugo Middendorf.

She is survived by three children, Wright (Susan) Carter of Millstadt, IL, Camille (Butch) Schoenherr of Lively Grove, IL, and Sonya (Mark) Cordes of Waterloo, IL; five grandchildren, Heather (Jordan) Hauss, Katelyn Carter, Kyle (Jayme) Schoenherr, Jesse and Jake Cordes; three great-grandchildren, Carter and Ty Schoenherr, and Ella Rose Hauss; and a brother, Roman Middendorf of St. Libory, IL.

The family thanks the staff at New Athens Home for the Aged, past and present, for their loving care.  Many of you became special friends and family to mom and went above and beyond to bring comfort and contentment, by just a chat, singing a song, or bringing her a gift.  Your kindness will never be forgotten.

When I come to the end of my journey and I travel my last weary mile,  just forget if you can, that I ever frowned and remember only the smile.  Forget unkind words I have spoken; remember some good I have done.  Forget that I’ve stumbled and blundered and sometimes fell by the way.  Remember I have fought some hard battles and won, ere the close of the day.  Then forget to grieve for my going, I would not have you sad for a day.  But in summer just gather some flowers and remember the place where I lay.  And come in the shade of evening when the sun paints the sky in the west.  Stand for a few moments beside me and remember only my best.

In lieu of all other gifts, memorials may be made to the New Athens Home for the Aged, 203 S. Johnson St., New Athens, IL 62264.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mollfuneralhome.com.

Visitation:  There will be no visitation.

Funeral:  A private mass will be held with Rev. James Blazine officiating.  Burial will be in St. Liborius Catholic Cemetery, St. Libory, IL.