Mia Gabriella Church

Mia Gabriella Church, age 23 of South Bend, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.  Mia was born July 22, 2000, in South Bend, Indiana.  She was a graduate of Penn High School where she stood out as an exceptional athlete, particularly in the sport of Softball. Her passion and skill on the field earned her a spot on the varsity team, where she contributed to the team's success, earning the team a place in the State finals where they finished the tournament as the first runners up. She was also a member of the Indiana Explosion and Michiana Scrappers travel softball clubs, and a member of the Penn Girls Rugby Team. Mia’s love for the game extended beyond her days on the diamond, as she later became a softball coach and mentor to young women, sharing her knowledge leading the next generation of athletes. After graduating from high school in 2019, Mia pursued her passion for beauty by enrolling full time in the Michiana Beauty College of Granger where she easily formed new friendships while learning new skills in the beauty industry.

She is survived by her beautiful daughter, Lainey Longest, her soulmate and the father of her daughter, Bradley Longest, her mother and stepfather Nicole and Joe Leichtman, all of South Bend and her father, Ronnie Church of Elkhart.  Surviving as well are her siblings Alexandria Alert and her fiancé Scott Mark of South Bend, Bailey Coffey of Melbourne, Florida, and Emma Church of Niles, Michigan.  Surviving as well are her grandparents Julie Alert of Elkhart, Joe and Becky Leichtman of Warsaw, Indiana, and Bobbi Woods of Elkhart, along with her great-grandmother Ursula Allen of Elkhart. Her grandfather, Michael Alert preceded her in death.

Friends may visit with Mia’s family 2 hours prior to the 2:00pm celebration of her life on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Michiana Community Church, 51637 Ash Rd, Granger, IN 46530. Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Osceola has been entrusted with Mia’s arrangements.

Mia was a loving mother, daughter and friend, whose warm and bubbly personality touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. Mia embraced motherhood with joy and dedication, cherishing her role as a loving mother to her precious little girl, Lainey. Her devotion to her daughter was unwavering.

Mia had a beautiful voice and loved to sing, not only within the walls of her home but also during karaoke nights around the Michiana area. She also found happiness by the pool or on the lake at her grandparents’ home in Warsaw.

Above all, Mia's family held the most significant place in her heart. Her love and commitment to her family were the most important things in her life, and the bonds she created with them will forever remain in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Donations may be made to the Lainey Longest education fund through the “Donate Now” tab above.  To light a virtual candle, share a story of Mia’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.