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 will be at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, June 9, 2025, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul. Father Vince Parsons will be presiding. Interment will be in the Grand Island City Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. on Monday at the church. 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 Shenandoah, Iowa, to Roland and Cleda (Fullerton) Green. She was the oldest of 7 Sibling’s.  She was united in marriage to James Leonard on September 22, 1949.  The couple made their home in Omaha, where they raised their 4 daughters. She was a wonderful homemaker and truly made their house a home, welcoming neighbor kids and friends over with open arms.  She will be remembered for her spectacular baked goods and fabulous cooking.  After her children grew up, she worked for JCPenney’s in Omaha and later Payless Shoe Store in Grand Island.  It wasn’t until Betty hit her 30’s 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 sons-in-law, Linda Snyder of St. Paul, Kathie and (Jim) Walker of Grand Island, Debbie Nealon of Brownsville, Oregon; sisters, Helen and (Jim) Roberts, of Bellevue, Judy Adams of Ohio; son-in-law, Ron Derner of St. Paul; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces & nephews.

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

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.jacobsengreenway.com