Betty Leeper

Betty Joan Leeper, 83, of Winterset, passed peacefully December 24, 2017, surrounded by family. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, December 29th at the First United Methodist Church in Winterset, Iowa, with burial to follow in the Winterset Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday evening, December 28th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ochiltree Funeral Service in Winterset. Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association and/or the First United Methodist Church of Winterset. Online condolences can be left at ochiltree.com Betty was born January 5, 1934, to Gyle DeVault and Margret (Bruett) DeVault. She was a lifetime resident of Winterset, graduating from Winterset High School in 1952. This Homecoming Queen met her husband, Ronald Leeper, during their sophomore year of high school when she asked him to a school dance. On August 20, 1954, they married in Marysville, California, while Ron served in the army. They welcomed four sons and eventually settled down on a farm near Winterset. Betty was a devoted mother and homemaker, staying at home to raise her four sons until they were grown. As an active member of the community, Betty also worked in the Winterset Public School lunch program for almost 21 years, taught Sunday school, and participated in the Bell Choir at the First United Methodist Church of Winterset. She enjoyed reading mystery and romance novels, gardening around the farm, and following the family tradition of camping at the Iowa State Fair every year with her sons and extended family. She is remembered by her endless smiles and laughter that brought joy to so many people. A devoted and loving wife, mother and friend, she will be deeply missed by all. She was preceded in death by her parents Gyle and Margret DeVault, and Ron’s parents, Claire and Mertice Leeper. Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 63 years, Ronald Leeper of Winterset; her four sons, Bob, Ted (Bindu), Greg (Gloria) and Mark (Teri); her brother, Richard (Mary Louise) DeVault; 11 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.