Eclista M. (Mongosa) Birner

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Eclista May (Mongosa) Birner who left us unexpectedly on October 4, 2025. She was born on October 23, 1935, in Richland Township, Indiana to Lyman Vance and Eathel Fay (Walker) Mongosa.

Eclista was affectionately known by her family as Tut. In her earlier years, she loved traveling around the US with her late husband Sammy Joe Birner and staying winters in Florida. She enjoyed making homemade noodles for the Mongosa and Birner family dinners, taking summer trips with their grandkids, reading, crocheting, sewing, working on puzzles, and watching her favorite TV shows. Most of all, spending time with her family was her greatest joy. Eclista was a member of the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana and the Moose. She retired as a cook from Elmwood Elementary School.

She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother, who touched the lives of many with her hugs and welcoming nature.

Survivors include her son, Neal Birner; grandchildren Misty (Michael) Grayson, Melissa (Todd) Black, Michelle (Travis) Daily, Matt (Erica) Birner, Jenny (Travis) Steele, Shallyn (Daniel) Garbaciak, Curtis Birner, Jennifer Rairigh, and Wesley (Tiffany) Birner; 21 great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren; one brother Delmar Mongosa; two sisters Doris Harshman and Helen Alexander; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband Sam, two sons Joseph Alan and Michael Vance Birner; parents Lyman and Eathel Mongosa; sisters Henrietta Mongosa and Carolyn Knauff; brothers Lyman L. "Henry" and Truman "Joey" Mongosa; and great-great grandchild Cole Taylor.

There will be a graveside service for Eclista on Friday, October 10th at 3pm at Mount Hope Cemetery. Flowers may be sent to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, or in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana in Eclista's honor.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eclista M. (Mongosa) Birner, please visit our floral store.