Betty Jean Leslie, 89, Iola, died Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011, at Iola Nursing Center.
She was born Feb. 16, 1922, in Iola, the daughter of William Lloyd and Inez Isabell (Ransom) Gardner. She grew up in Iola. On Oct. 17, 1937, she married James A. “Orb” Leslie and they made their home in Iola. She worked as a surgical nurse at Allen County Hospital and as a certified medical assistant for Dr. Lenski in Iola and Dr. Victorino in Moran before retiring. Mr. Leslie preceded her in death on May 29, 1988.
She made her home at the Marmaton Village in Moran before moving to Townhouse East in Iola. She has made her home at Guest Home Estates in Iola for several years.
She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Iola, where she had taught Sunday School and was active in church activities. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and enjoyed reading, spending time with her grandchildren and working Sudoku puzzles.
She is survived by a son, Daniel and his wife, Cindy, Iola; a son-in-law, Donald E. Jones, Gas; three grandchildren, Debbie Davis, Gas, Jacob Leslie, Tulsa, Okla., and Caleb Leslie, Cedaridge, Colo.; two great-granddaughters, Valecia Kanak and Kori Davis, both of Leavenworth; and a great-great-grandson, Mason Kanak.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Sharon Jones in 2008, granddaughter LaDona Jones in 1997, grandson-in-law Ronald Davis in 2009 and brother William Lloyd Gardner Jr.
Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel in Iola. Chaplain Lloyd W. Houk will officiate. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery in Iola.
Memorial gifts to Trinity United Methodist Church may be left at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.iolafuneral.com.