Hello Wayne, Sheran, Michael and Karen-- I am your first cousin (Mary Lou). I know you will miss your mom, my Aunt Betty. Some vivid memories I recall are when you, Wayne and Sheran, visited with your parents on our farm near Strasburg.
I was about 4 or 5 and my sister Kathy was 2 or 3. One time you dressed up in fancy colorful tap dance costumes and did a tap dance for us...your mom was so proud of you. Sometimes you visited in Ft. Pierre, S. Dak. and in Jamestown...we always looked forward to your visits. Aunt Betty was a loving, joyful aunt. Blessings to you all. Mirakhel Windsong
Mirakhel Windsong
February 3, 2021
Dear Wayne, Sharon, Mike, Karen and to all the extended family members, please accept our sympathies and condolences for your loss; the loss of your Mother, Sister, Grandmother, Great-grandmother and Aunt. The time I spent with Aunt Betty and the Leeland's on a summer holiday remains one of my fondest memories from Childhood. I saw in Aunt Betty a dignity and poise that I’ll never forget. I admired her tremendously and she was always kind to me. Her abounding energy and kind spirit will be sorely missed. The service was very special for my Mom, Isabel; Betty’s little sister. We especially enjoyed the beautiful piece that Karen recited at the service. It brought many long since forgotten memories to forefront for my Mother. We could imagine the words coming from her. Betty’s spirit will brighten my heart ever. We would love to have a copy of this piece that Betty wrote, if possible. Thank you making the service available to the many who loved her so dearly. It was very kind and it meant so very much to me and my Mom. We appreciate you all and our hearts are with you. Be safe, be well and from our house to yours- best wishes. Laurie and Isabel
L. R. Norquist
January 14, 2021
My sincere condolences to the family. I met Miss Betty in a yoga class at the Marion YMCA. She became a big part of my life and my Y family. I don't know how it came about but somehow it was arranged that I would take my daughter and her friend to Miss Betty's house. She would bake several dozen cupcakes and have all the toppings you could imagine available. The girls would decorate like crazy and go home with the most unique creations. I could see the Joy in Miss Betty's heart as she watched those girls. We never left empty handed. In addition to the sweets she would always have another gift for us. Miss Betty was a light of love that this world and this yoga teacher desperately needed. With love to all who will miss her, Christy
Christy Vilardo
January 13, 2021
Hi so sorry for your loss I really missed talking with my Aunt Betty every other day I remember my mom looking forward to when Betty would come down to bring her some dresses and of course the best lipstick in town my mom was so happy all the time with that lipstick she was so so happy the service was very nice very nice talkin about her time on the farm well I hope we all get together this summer again sorry for your loss she sure was a absolute great lady all her decorations and baking and her YMCA we had lots of fun talking on the phone okay bye-bye Marilyn longer melchior love you all bye-bye you can even talk
Marilyn Lauinger
January 12, 2021
I have such fond memories of Betty as a wife that enjoyed her husband's career as much as he did! I started at IBM in 1977 and worked with Lee and he was so proud to have Betty by his side. A wonderful couple. After Lee passed, Betty continued to join in local IBM social activities. She was always a welcomed sight. God Bless her soul, but now she's with Lee again.
Amy Brockhohn
January 12, 2021
Dear Wayne Sharon Mike Karen and families, Our sympathy and condolences for the loss of your mother, Kasper's sister, and our aunt. We will have many warm memories of Aunt Betty and your dad and family visiting North Dakota. Kasper always enjoyed his visits to Iowa too and going to the Y with her when he visited. She will be missed. We appreciated hearing her story about Kasper and his long-lost bike. He has told that same story many times. We would love to have a copy of your mom's biography she wrote for our memory of her too. God Bless and may we all be together again someday with our loved ones.
Donna Lauinger-LeFevre
January 12, 2021
Oh Betty I will miss you so! Just talked to you a few weeks ago. You still talked like your spunky self. Hadn't seen you much the last 10 years after moving to Ames, but talked to you lots. But we had such fun before that.
Going out to eat you always would tell them it was my birthday and make them sing to me and we would share the dessert. I would get so embarrassed. We went to movies and my favorite was taking ballroom dance. We were always laughing and causing a stir. The time we went to the coffee shop and you said it was the first time you danced without a partner. You had the whole place in love with you before we left. The many garage sales I helped you with. You could talk me into anything. The stories you would tell me and I would believe and found out you were just pulling my leg. The priest coming to visit was the best one. Playing "Up and down the river" with your brother when he visited. We had so much fun! I will miss your smile. You were definitely there a time I needed your love and friendship. Love you Betty! Praying for peace and comfort to your family. You will greatly be missed!
Becky Harvey
January 12, 2021
Dear Wayne Sharon Mike Karen,
Sorry for your loss. It was always a joy to gather at the strasburg homestead. Many fond memories of your mom and dad. I'll continue to pray for all of you. My Mass this morning was for your mom. Fr. Gerard
Fr Gerard Braun
January 12, 2021
With deepest sympathy to the family. I'll regret this the rest of my life. Elizabeth call me on New Year Eve to invite me over for New Eve supper. I declined. I should of invited her over to my home for New Year Eve supper. This was the last time I talk to Elizabeth. Elizabeth always enjoyed playing with my dogs Scooter, and Vicki Sue, and taking to the parrot, and relaxing in my massage chair. I met Elizabeth at TC dance club with her good friend Becky Harvey. By Ken Harris. Many years ago. Elizabeth and I went to Becky's wedding over at Ames, Iowa when Becky got married. Over the years Elizabeth shared her life about her family. One story I always enjoyed is the time she was taking Daniel to Iowa City and got stopped by a policeman for speeding and at the supper table Daniel told his Dad that his mother go a note from a policeman. We enjoyed the many trips to the Mississippi River on my boat. She always pack a lunch for the day. Over the years we've enjoyed having a meal twice a week, she always insisted that I say prayer before we ate. Elizabeth always made sure to send leftover home with me. Every Saturday night we watch Lawrence Welk and after the show she call and want me to sing the closing song to her. Every night we would bless each other and say pleasant dream and good night. I am going to miss the meals and friendship we had for many years. Until we meet again I'll miss you greatly. Mert.
Mert L. U.
January 12, 2021
I know I should call your mom Betty but I have always known her as Mrs. Leeland. Of course my given name is Rex, but then she always called me Butchie.
We were neighbors on Caroline Court for so many years, we were like family. Even after moving we always seemed to keep in touch.
I remember our many visits over the years to 232 Crandall Dr. We could’ve just come from eating a very large meal and yet she wouldn’t let us leave without having something to eat and most likely it was one of her desserts. We just couldn’t say no to her, even though we sure tried.
We also couldn’t leave without receiving a gift from her. She would take us out to her garage and told us we couldn’t leave without taking something. I still use the 25 foot tape measure she gave me on our last visit a few years back.
Your mom was a special lady with a special smile. The three Cline kids will surely miss her.
Rex Jr
Rex Cline
January 11, 2021
Betty had a shining personality that lit up every room she entered! I will miss her sweet smile and times we had together as families growing up. We used to work out together at the Marion Y when I lived on that side of town. Her love for gardening, creating pine cone wreaths, and her joy of living life to it's fullest will not be forgotten. Heaven is blessed to have Betty and I am deeply sorry for your loss.
FYI I went to Cedar Memorial Flower Shop and our family has three items for your family to enjoy. Please email me for our addresses.
My deepest sympathy,
Betty Micka-Rolwes
PS Karen it's been a long time since I've seen you. It'd be nice to stay in touch!
Betty Micka-Rolwes
January 11, 2021
I am sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. I worked with Lee at IBM and always enjoyed seeing Betty at various get-togethers over the years. She was quite a lady with a kind word for everyone and a definite zest for life! My sympathy to you all. Marilyn Hopcus
Marilyn Hopcus
January 10, 2021