Betty I. Leffel

Betty I. Leffel, 94, North Manchester, passed away June 22, 2020 at Peabody Healthcare Center, North Manchester. On August 8, 1925, Betty was born in Dalton, Ohio at her cousin’s home. Although Betty was an only child, her parents Ralph M. and Mayme (Huntsberger) Garn were a foster home to many children over the years.

A graduate from Smithville High School, Ohio in 1943, Betty went on to graduate from Manchester College in 1947 and continued her education at St. Francis University, receiving her Master’s Degree in 1965. On October 12, 1947, Betty married Leo Leffel. The two met over pie and coffee where Betty was a waitress at a North Manchester restaurant. They were married for forty three years before Leo passed away December 6, 1990. She was a member of the Business and Professional Women, past President of the United Methodist Church Counsel, and past President of the Indiana State Teacher’s Association local chapter. She and other Business and Professional Women members would host a Reality Store at the junior high, teaching kids financial responsibility. Betty was a school teacher for 39 years, teaching in Sturgis, Michigan, Columbia City, Washington Center (Whitley County, Indiana), and North Manchester. She enjoyed entertaining and being a good hostess, gardening her flowers, and outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. For years, she was part of a singing group made up of church members that would travel.

The memory of Betty will be forever cherished by her sons, Judd (Xiaoyan) Leffel, San Jose, California, Lorin Leffel, North Manchester; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband and a very dear friend, Lynn Rhoades.

Family and friends may call Saturday, June 27, 2020 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana. Funeral services will begin at the conclusion of calling. Pastor Larry Ray and Pastor J.P. Freeman will officiate. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery, 600 Beckley Street, North Manchester, Indiana.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Betty I. Leffel, memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church, 306 East 2nd Street, North Manchester, Indiana 46962, Peabody Caring Circle, 400 West 7th Street, North Manchester, Indiana 46962, Manchester University, 604 East College Avenue, North Manchester, Indiana 46962

Arrangements are entrusted to McKee Mortuary.