Betty Leslie

Betty Leslie, age 73, of Mahnomen, MN died on Saturday, October 12, 2013 at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home. Betty Ann Bray, daughter of Elmer and Irene (Magnan) Bray, was born on March 20, 1940 in Mahnomen. She grew up in the Mahnomen area and attended school. On December 30, 1957, at the age of 17, Betty was united in marriage to Harold Leslie in Detroit Lakes, MN. They made their first home on a dairy farm and a few years later moved into Mahnomen. While raising their children the family returned to the Beaulieu, MN area. Betty was a devoted mother and always kept busy helping others. She pitched in to help with any job whether it was farm work, hunting, or any other needed task. Even with her small stature, Betty was never afraid of a challenge. Betty was an outdoor enthusiast and loved spending time in the woods. In her younger years, Betty was often found hunting, fishing, gathering blueberries, and baking. Above all, Betty had a true passion for helping others. She always put others needs above her own. Her generosity touched the lives of many. Following Harold’s death in 1994, Betty worked with White Earth Continuing Education helping students received their GED. In her later years, Betty made her home at Valley View and most recently at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home. Betty is survived by her children: Larry (Judy) Leslie of Fargo, ND, Gary (Angie) Leslie of Moorhead, MN, and Mary (Todd) Jackson of Callaway, MN; two sisters: Gloria Newton of Ogallala, OK, and Vivian Bray of Bemidji, MN; ten grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; two step grandchildren; seven step great grandchildren; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold; one brother, Henry; two sisters, Peggy and Delores; and a granddaughter, Kari. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Beaulieu, MN, rural Mahnomen. Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:00 pm, at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen. Interment will take place at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Beaulieu.

Betty Leslie

March 20, 1940 - October 12, 2013