Sylvia was born on April 22, 1933, at home in Peterstown, Illinois, to Theodore and Wilhelmina (Sondgeroth) Becker. She attended Peterstown School from first through eighth grade. At the age of 54, she completed her GED through Mendota High School; she was very proud of her accomplishment. As a teenager, she worked with her father on the family farm, where she learned many skills and enjoyed all of them.
On February 20, 1954, Sylvia married Gerald Leffelman at the Peterstown Church. They made their life in Sublette, and in addition to raising 8 children, they created many friendships and fond memories. Motherhood was second nature to Sylvia. When her youngest entered school, she began working at the Mendota Lutheran Home, where she was employed for 35 years. She loved her job and all the residents she came into contact with. Sylvia was also a member of the Country Squares and the St. Anne’s Sodality.
Sylvia is survived by her children: Mark (Natalie) Leffelman, Chris (Kim) Leffelman, Annette (Mike) Bonnell, Dale (Paula) Leffelman, Beth (Eddie) Morrissey, Kevin (Judy) Leffelman, Keith (Ashley) Leffelman. She also had 16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, which gave her immense joy. She is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; daughter Susan; sisters Joyce Gillan and Darlene Spreit; and brothers Don Becker and Rich Becker.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Sublette, Illinois, at 1:00 PM. Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM until the time of service at 1:00 PM at the church. Burial of cremains will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Sublette. A memorial has been established to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Arrangements by the Mihm-Jones Funeral Home in Amboy.
