Bettye C. Leonhart, 91 of Aledo, formerly of Viola, died Monday, May 2, 2022, at Brookstone Assisted Living. Funeral services will be 12 p.m., Saturday, May 7, at Speer Funeral Home, Aledo. Visitation is prior to services Saturday, from 10 to 12 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Viola Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Mercer County Animal Shelter or the Viola American Legion Auxiliary. Condolences may be left at speerfuneralhome.com.
Bettye was born on June 12, 1930, in Mauckport, Indiana, to William and Irma (Bodenstadt) Biddle, Sr. She married Fred Leonhart on May 31, 1949, in Kahoka, Missouri. He preceded her in death on January 9, 1998.
Bettye was a dedicated homemaker who enjoyed crafts and antiquing. She and Fred enjoyed bowling, square dancing and traveling.
Bettye was a member of the Viola American Legion Auxiliary and attended the Viola United Methodist Church.
Bettye is survived by her children and spouses: Gary Leonhart and Patty Schrock of New Boston and Carol and Ronnie Erickson of Austin, Texas; six grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; siblings and spouses: Maxine and Bill Melton of Peoria, Sharon and Ron Hank of Aledo, and Randy and Pam Biddle of Little York; and sisters-in-law: Lorraine Biddle of Joy and Lucille Biddle of Little York. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Fred; son, Rickey Leonhart; and brothers, William Biddle, Jr., and Howard Biddle.