Leah Philleo

Leah Philleo, 48, was welcomed into the presence of Jesus on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, Wisconsin after a courageous battle with cancer.

Leah Jo Meyer was born on June 28, 1976, God's precious gift to Michael and Beverly (nee Royer) Meyer. Leah was the second child and first daughter in their family of five children. The Meyers raised their children in rural Elk Mound in an old farmhouse. Leah loved being in the country and surrounded by nature and was often found outdoors with her brothers and younger sister.

Leah's Christian faith was an important part of her life from childhood. She was a long-time member of Bethel Church in Eau Claire. Her parents gave her the gift of a Christian education at Bethel Christian School from her early elementary school days continuing through her senior year. She graduated from high school in 1995 and continued her education at the Christian Training Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Her college roommate Kaye Heffelbower became one of Leah's life-long friends during this time. Leah graduated with her associate's degree in Bible studies in 1997.

After graduation, Leah returned to Wisconsin, where she worked full-time. Her love of learning and desire to help others led her to pursue a bachelor's degree in special education at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She continued to work part-time while she went back to college. Her diligence paid off when she graduated from UWEC in 2007. She went on to tutor children with special needs at the Autism and Behavior Center in Altoona.

Throughout this time, Leah continued to actively serve in her church. She taught Sunday school regularly, sang in the church choir, and played handbells. One Sunday, Matthew Philleo, a young artist who had recently moved to the area, visited Bethel Church. With her characteristic hospitality, she introduced herself to him after service. Their friendship led to a courtship, and eventually, marriage, when they were wed in September 2003. During their 21-year marriage, God blessed their family with three children: Matthias, Eden, and Adrielle. Leah's children were her greatest joy, and she was a devoted mother and fierce advocate for them. Her deep and abiding faith led her to raise them to know Jesus.

Leah was an independent thinker, free-spirit, and intensely loyal friend. She found the silver lining in any situation and loved any reason to celebrate. She was known for her unique style and for her ability to make people feel special. Leah had a mischievous streak and liked to buy memorable gifts for her family and friends. If you ever received an "ugly" gift from Leah, you knew you were loved.

Leah refused to let her cancer diagnosis stop her from living her life. She was determined to continue serving others and making a home for her family, which she did to the best of her ability while clinging to Jesus's promise of the life to come. On Saturday, March 29, she was rushed to the hospital and passed peacefully into heaven the next day, surrounded by her loved ones.

Still on their earthly journey are Leah's dear husband Matt; her three beloved children Ty, Eden, and Addy; her mother Beverly Meyer; her brothers Aaron, Daniel (Sara), Benjamin; and her sister Sarah (Zach) Couture, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends. She was preceded in death by her father Michael Meyer, and her grandparents.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Bethel Church, Ministry Center 1796, Chapel Building, 2361 N Hastings Way, Eau Claire with refreshments to follow. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until time of service.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family.