Leona Lou Bergman Tibbetts

Leona Lou Bergman Tibbetts, 79 passed away on September 24, 2018 from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Leona was born in Grand Rapids, MI on January 27, 1939.  Her family moved to Houston, TX when she was a baby.  In 1958, she married USAF 2^nd Lt John L. Schattel and together they had four children, John L. Schattel, Jr, Cecilia R. Schattel (Baker), Cynthia A. Schattel (Kosan), and Christina E. Schattel (Curran).  In 1976, Leona married USAF Col. Larry N. Tibbetts and they were married for 37 years.

Leona worked as a dental hygienist, florist, secretary, real estate agent, and department store sales associate but her principal vocation was that of an Air Force Officer’s wife.  Although reserved in nature, she had a knack for making others feel comfortable, making her a delightful hostess.  She was an excellent organizer and, moving may times, she developed a talent for making any house a stylish, functional home.  As her husband advanced in rank to two-star general, she held many volunteer leadership positions and dedicated may years to serving military families.  She also served as a sounding board and trusted confidant for Larry, who is rumored to have never made a big decision without consulting her first!

Leona is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Louis and Susan Bergman, her children, John (Jill) Schattel, Cissy, Cindy (Keith), and Christy, her step-children , Pat and (Lorri), Kathleen, Michael, and Erin (John), her niece and nephew, Jennifer (Zack) and Wally (Carrie), her grandchildren, Amy, Johnathan, Andrew, Katie, Adam, Ben, Abbey, Sam, Cece, Louie, and Rosie, and one grandnephew, Louie. 

Leona is preceded in death by her father and mother, Louis and Cecilia Bergman, her grandson, John Austin Schattel, and her husband, Larry Tibbetts.

There will be a visitation at Legacy Chapel Funeral Home Thursday September 27^th from 6 PM – 8 PM

Visitation will be Friday September 28^th at 10 AM – 11 AM at St. John’s Catholic Church with service to follow at 11AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association with hope for a cure!