Betty Jean Leonard

Betty Jean Leonard, 93, of St. Paul, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at the Howard County Medical Center in St. Paul.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, June 9, 2025 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul. Father Vince Parsons presided. Interment was in the Grand Island City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church or to the family for later designation. Jacobsen- Greenway-Dietz Funeral Home in St. Paul is assisting the family.

Betty was born on November 12, 1931, in Farragut, Iowa, to Roland and Cleda (Fullerton) Green. She was the oldest of seven siblings.

Betty was united in marriage to James Leonard on September 22, 1949. The couple made their home in Omaha, where they raised their four daughters. Betty was a wonderful homemaker and truly made their house a home, welcoming neighbor kids and friends over with open arms. Betty will be remembered for her spectacular baked goods and fabulous cooking. After her children grew up, she worked for JCPenney in Omaha and later Payless Shoe Store in Grand Island. It wasn’t until Betty hit her thirties that she received her first driver’s license.

Betty was a faithful member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and was very active in the CCW, as well as the Catholic Daughters. She dedicated much of her time preparing and serving funeral dinners for many years. She loved playing slot machines and truly enjoyed her trips to the casino.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters and son-inlaw, Linda Snyder of St. Paul, Kathie and (Jim) Walker of Grand Island, and Debbie Nealon of Brownsville, Oregon; sisters, Helen and (Jim) Roberts of Bellevue, and Judy Adams of Ohio; sonin- law, Ron Derner of St. Paul; and many grandchildren; great- grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, James; daughter, Jan Derner; sons-in-law, Kevin Snyder and Donny Nealon; grandson, Max Walker; and brothers, John, Jerry, Larry, and Bob.

Jacobsen- Greenway- Dietz Funeral Home in St. Paul is assisting the family. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www. jacobsengreenway.com.

The Phonograph-Herald | June 11, 2025