Judith (Judy) Irene Leonard

Judith (Judy) Irene Leonard of Reynolds, NB, died Oct. 16, 2019 at her home.  She is survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren: Earl W. and Debbie Leonard of Reynolds and children, Michael Leonard and wife Liz of Reynolds, and Cassie Tangen and husband, Zach, of Auburn, NE; Julie Y. and Barton Oestreich of Llano, TX, and children Isaac Carver, Samantha and Salena Oestreich.  She is survived by one great-grandson, Hayden Specht of Fairbury, NE, and two great-granddaughters Kaylee and Emrie Cox of Auburn, NE; her siblings, Mildred Hines of Harwood; Nelva (Deral) Mays of El Dorado Springs; Willis (Brenda) of Nevada; Hank (Karen) Leonard of Montevallo; David (Marsha) of Walker; John Dee (Connie) Leonard of Harwood and many nieces, nephews and friends.  Judy was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert; her sister Lula Kay McCullick; her brother Billie Joe and four infant siblings.   

Daughter of the late William Warner and Dothey Mildred (Turner) Leonard, she was born Dec. 20, 1942 in the family home near Walker, Missouri.  After a couple of years attending a country school near their home, she completed her education at Walker school where she graduated with the honor of Valedictorian of her class. A year after she graduated she met and later married Robert Emrie Leonard of Milo, on Dec. 9, 1962 at Oak Grove Baptist Church. To this union two children were born, Earl William and Julie Yvonne. Shortly after their son was born they moved to the Mahaska, KS area with Robert’s parents and later moved just over the state line into Nebraska. It was in Nebraska that she spent the rest of her days.  

Her days were filled with not only raising the children and keeping the house, but with a multitude of other endeavors. She enjoyed gardening and canning. Throughout the years they raised chickens, hogs, sheep and cattle – she loved her animals.  She was often on a tractor or building fence helping Robert with the farming and ranching. She never backed down from hard work, including designing and helping build their house, as they worked side by side to build their future.  

She was a talented seamstress and often made clothes for her children, and later sewed many crafts.  Judy was very creative and musically talented.  She used these talents to share her love for Jesus with children including her own.  She taught Sunday School and helped with Vacation Bible School for many many years.  Judy enjoyed playing 10-point pitch and was involved in Hopewell Club in Mahaska, KS. She was a cooking, baking and sewing 4-H leader for many years, drove a star-route mail truck for several years, went to many flea markets and craft shows to sell items from their business (J&R Distributing) and later enjoyed selling Avon and greeting cards to her friends and neighbors.  She was always helping with various activities at the church, but it was often behind the scenes as Judy was not one to be in the lime light or the center of attention.   

Judy adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren, reading them stories and spoiling them with cookies and cakes that she enjoyed baking. She loved the outdoors and could often be found showing them different plants and flowers in her yard. 

Throughout her life it was her faith in God that carried her through the various joys and trials of raising her children and being a loving wife.  It is that faith that will be celebrated in a memorial service Monday, Dec. 23, 10:30 a.m. at Union Hall Baptist Church, El Dorado Springs. Lunch will be served after the service. There will not be a graveside service. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Llano Christian Academy – Children’s Music Progam.