Chana

Renée Ardell Leifheit, 74, passed away peacefully Sunday, August 9, 2026 at her home in Chana, Illinois. Renée was born on February 5, 1952 in Rockford, IL, the daughter of Wayne and Nina (Marske) Finch. On June 27, 1969, she married David Allen Leifheit in Rockton, IL.

Renée is survived by her husband, David; two children: Heather (Tom) Merrick and Christopher Leifheit; three grandchildren: Kaitlin (Tyler) Merrick-Hamlin, Samuel Merrick and Adeline McKinney; sister, Denise (Dave) Knuth of Fond Du Lac, WI; and nieces and nephews: Brian (Jen) Torgersen, Stephanie (Tony) Neff, Stacy (Bernie) Plummer; and Brett (Christina) Torgersen.

A special thanks to Serenity Hospice and Home, especially her nurse, Mary Pendleton, and her caregivers, Stephanie Neff, Liz Beerli, Patricia Hrdlicka, and Chloe Stambaugh who all helped make her way home so peaceful.

The visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M., Thursday, August 13, 2026 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 P.M., Thursday. Burial is at Washington Grove Cemetery in Chana, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Renée’s memory to Serenity Hospice and Home. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.