Leah Lynn Lichtenberger, 58, of Millersburg, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 5, 2026, alongside her devoted partner of 26 years, Lowell Penner.
Born on October 14, 1967, in Decatur, Indiana, Leah was the daughter of the late Carl and Annabelle (Shaffer) Lichtenberger. She graduated from Adams Central High School and attended Goshen College. After traveling to Germany, she fell in love with the language and culture, weaving that passion into her everyday life.
Leah lived life at full throttle as a fierce, unbridled spirit with a deep reverence for the earth and a profound belief in serendipity. She poured real heart and passion into the work she loved over the years, though no single title could ever define her as she always prioritized living life to its absolute fullest. She was a traveler at heart who loved exploring—whether hiking quiet trails, riding the rails, or hitting the open road on her Harley. She found endless wonder in nature, marveling at storms, sunsets, eclipses, and rainbows, often declaring them simply “gorgeous”.
A true cheerleader for the underdog and a welcoming voice to strangers, Leah made everyone around her feel cherished. She loved animals deeply, turning her life into a quiet sanctuary for dozens of dogs, cats, orphaned raccoons, and even an injured deer. Out of profound respect for every living creature, she lived as a committed vegan. Among her many talents, Leah was a gifted baker whose legendary freshly baked bread was generously shared with anyone lucky enough to sit at her table. When she wasn’t on the move, you could find her tending her garden, lost in a fantasy book, or taking a long soak in her clawfoot tub, always surrounded by her critters.
Leah is survived by her sister, Rebecca (Terry) Reichard; her brothers, Timothy (MaryAnn) Lichtenberger, Mark Lichtenberger, and Jonathan (Shareen) Lichtenberger; her nieces, Holly (Andrew) Ulrey, Lauren (Dalton) Brazell, and Amber (Christopher) Hoggard; her grand-nephews and grand-nieces, Cole Ulrey, Finley and Indigo Brazell and Addison Hoggard; and Trae (Derek) Church and Breana (Ryan Specht) Penner, who held her dear as their stepmother. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Annabelle Lichtenberger; her niece, Lydia Rose Lichtenberger; and her nephew, Timothy Brite.
A time of visitation will be held from 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 26, 2026, in the College Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall, Goshen; followed by a Celebration of Life at 5 p.m. at The Fraternal Order of the Eagles Lodge, 12889 N. Kern Road, Syracuse, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests a contribution to Tunnel2Towers (T2T) or Veteran’s Senior Living and Care Home in West Lafayette.
Friends and loved ones of both Leah and Lowell are also invited to gather at the family farm on October 17 for an event honoring their memory. The afternoon and evening will include returning Leah’s ashes to the earth she loved, a celebration of life, and a bonfire. Please contact the family for additional details. To honor her memory, look up at the stars, watch for a rainbow, plant something beautiful, or share a dance—and, above all, keep taking care of yourselves.
“The function…is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I WILL use my time.” — Jack London, as lived by Leah
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