Betty Leadon

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Betty Leadon from a long journey with cancer. Betty faced her journey head on steadfastly, peacefully, but most importantly, faithfully. Without a doubt, she knew God walked before her, beside her, and in back of her, supporting every step. Through all she experienced, her brilliant smile never wavered or dimmed. Betty passed away at home on October 28, 2023.

Born November 14, 1948 to Ben and Mary Drinkwater in Yakima, Washington, Betty was the third of four children. Betty was a lifelong resident of Yakima. She spent her younger years with her parents and siblings Ben, Claudia and Susan. She graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1967. She continued her education at Yakima Valley College and Central Washington State College, graduating in 1971 with a BA in Education. Betty landed her first teaching job in June, 1971 and taught at East Valley High School as an English teacher for over 30 years. Betty married Vince Leadon of Yakima on June 19, 1971 at Holy Family Catholic Church. Together they raised their three children: Kellie, Kory and Kyle. Betty was a long-time member of Holy Family Catholic Church where she and her family were members of Family Circle. She taught Religious Education, was a member of the choir, and in 2002 she opened and ran the church gift shop, “Sharing the Light.” Through her church she met many of her lifelong friends. Betty’s three children all married, and she was blessed with seven beautiful grandchildren whom she called, “God’s Perfect 7”. Grandma Betty loved them with all of her heart!

Betty was the ultimate home decorator. She loved decorating for the holidays and entertaining family and friends. She was a member of the Red Hat Club and a book club. She loved sunflowers, sunshine, coffee, Coca Cola and wine.

Betty is survived by her beloved husband, Vince, as well as their three children: Kellie Hatfield and her husband, Jason; Kory Leadon and his wife, Abby; Kyle Leadon and his wife, Lynn and seven deeply loved grandchildren: Makenzie, Jaydan, Lauren, Annie, Miles, Olivia and Kai. Betty is also survived by her brother, Ben Drinkwater and his wife Patti, her sister Claudia Hausamann and her husband Bob and her sister, Susan Rapp. Other survivors include Vince’s brothers and sisters and their spouses, as well as many nephews and nieces. Going before Betty were her parents, Ben and Mary Drinkwater, her in-laws, Don and Armella Leadon and her brother-in-law, Dale Leadon.

A Vigil will be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 5:00 PM at Holy Family Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church (5315 Tieton Drive, Yakima, WA 98908).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heartlinks Hospice (204 W 2nd St. Grandview, WA 98930) or Holy Family Religious Education (5315 Tieton Drive, Yakima, WA 98908).

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com.