Betty (White) Leet

Betty White Leet bid farewell to the earthly world on September 4, 2023, at her home in Louisville, KY, at the age of 84. This remarkable lady will forever hold a special place in the hearts of all who loved her.

Betty was born on April 23, 1939 to Lydia (“Mae”) and Clay White.  She had three siblings (Wendy, Jack, and Bob) and five half-siblings (Rosie, Buddy, Woody, Bea, and Jean).  She was proud to grow up in a large, blended family, living on horse farms, including Hermitage Farm, where her father worked with thoroughbreds.  Betty was predeceased by both parents and all of her siblings.  She was instrumental in supporting both parents and siblings Wendy and Jack through the illnesses that ultimately led to their deaths.

Betty married her second-grade sweetheart, Kenneth T. Leet, at nineteen years of age in 1958.  Together this young couple had four children in five and a half years.  They raised their children in a Christian home and taught them the value of hard work and kindness.  In 1988, her husband died prematurely at 48 years of age and for the remainder of her life, Betty grieved this loss.

Betty was kind, generous, intelligent, beautiful, and fair-minded.  She loved with great intensity.  She was a life-long learner.  In her younger days, she enjoyed reading and writing and had a flair for proper grammar and prose. 

Betty graduated from Oldham County High School.  Over the years she served as an Assistant in law offices, including the office of Manby, Williamson, and Smith soon after high school, and later, for Kim Snell.  In the 1980’s, Betty served as Executive Director at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve.

It is undeniably true that Betty's most cherished and honorable profession was that of homemaker, a role she took immense pride in. Her ability to create warm and inviting homes along with being a wonderful cook made her the hostess with the mostest. Her children consider themselves fortunate to have learned the gift of hospitality from their mother.

Betty's life was always centrally grounded on family.  Being in the loving presence of family trumped all other endeavors over her lifetime.  She was known to ensure that each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild felt loved and valued as unique human beings.  The celebration of birthdays always included one's favorite meal and cake, along with a card or call eloquently reciting what made the celebrant special to her and to the world.  Her grandchildren hold valued memories of the summer 'Grammy Camp' when she planned several days of fun outings and activities for the grandchildren at her home.

Betty is survived by four children, ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren:  Her youngest daughter, Whitney Stroud and her two children: Morgan Johnson (Brian and great-grandson Donald) and Nathan Gullett (Amber and great-grandson Eli); Her only son K.C. Barton Leet (Tracey and their four daughters: Erin (Brad and great grandson Huck) Taylor (DJ), Emily, and Audrey; Her middle daughter, Angie Walker (John and Angie's daughters: Lydia (Phil) and Michaela (Collin); and Her oldest daughter, Hope Leet Dittmeier (Paul and their two children: Kyle (Allie) and Nakita (great-grandson, Axl).

Honoring Betty's wishes, we will celebrate her life at Stoess Funeral Home in Crestwood, KY, on Friday, September 8, from 11 am to 2 pm. Following this gathering, a private family burial will occur.

In keeping with Betty’s personal values of fairness and equity, we kindly ask that donations in her memory be made to Mattingly Edge (https://mattinglyedge.kindful.com/ or 1930 Bishop Lane, Suite 1001, Louisville KY 40218). 

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