Betty Leach

Betty Jane Leach, passed away on May 20, 2025, at the age of 87. She was born on September 12, 1937, in Presque Isle, Maine, the 14th of 18 children born to Dennis and Alice Shaw. She spent her youth working in the potato fields during harvest time.

After graduating high school, Betty set off for Washington, D.C., intending only a short stay. But life had other plans—there she met

Robert Leach, who was stationed there in the Air Force. Their love quickly blossomed, and they soon married, eventually settling in Kansas City. Betty devoted herself to raising her children, a role she cherished deeply. She also worked diligently outside the home, notably as a waitress and manager at The Gold Buffet, where her warm smile and strong work ethic were appreciated by coworkers and customers alike. She later worked at an American Family Insurance agency. A talented cook, Betty was known for her delicious treats like her chocolate chip cookies. Her friends at Primrose loved to see her bringing cookies to share at BINGO.

Betty’s great sense of humor, endless love, and feisty spirit will be greatly missed by her children; Terri (David) Moody of Platte City, MO; Tom (Beverly) Leach of KCMO; and Suzie (Rick) Gambino of Bastrop, TX. Grandchildren; Nikki (Ryan) Sanneman, Jessi (Brandon) Fogal, James (Rachel) Leach, Autumn (Kevin) Mitchell, Stacy (Justin) Beach, Kelsey (Michael) Haley, and Mitchell Randle, as well as 14 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, 16 siblings and her husband, Robert Leach

A Celebration of Life will be held at Terrace Park Funeral Home and Cemetery on Wednesday, May 28th, with visitation beginning at noon, followed by the funeral service at 1:00pm.