Leona M. Businga

Leona M. Businga, 91, Rockford, passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at Wesley Willows Hunt Terrace. She was born November 2, 1925 in Sheridan, WY, the daughter of David & Jennie (Symons) Ruff. She graduated from Sheridan High School, class of 1944 and Hasting College, Hastings, NE, class of 1948. She worked for Sheridan –Wyocoal for 1 year and as a legal secretary for the law firm of William D. Redle, Sheridan for 13 years. Married Richard C. Businga in Sheridan on January 15, 1961. They were married for 53 years until his death on September 2, 2014. She lived in Winnebago for 51 years before moving to Wesley Willows in 2012. She was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church. She enjoyed sewing and reading, but most of all she loved spending time with her family. Leona had volunteered at the Winnebago schools; was a former member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority at Sheridan, WY and Rockford, IL and a Member of Rebecca Lodge of Sheridan until 1965.


Survived by her children, Karen (Joe) Lyczak of Knoxville, MD, Nancy Businga of Cambridge, WI and Tom Businga of North Liberty, IA; special sister-in-law Pauline Remer of Winnebago, special niece and nephew Janice Collins of Rockford and Scott Remer of Winnebago; nephews David Ruff of Wyoming and James Ruff of Colorado and niece Nancy Fowkes of California. Predeceased by her parents, brother Kenneth Ruff and sister-in law Betty Ruff.

Special thanks to the caring nursing staff and many people at Wesley Willows.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Grace United Methodist Church, 3555 McFarland Rd, Rockford, IL 61114, with the Rev. Pamela Rossmiller officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the church. A luncheon will be served immediately following the service. Private family burial at a later date. Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com