Elizabeth Betty (Manspeaker) Leader

Elizabeth “Betty” Manspeaker Leader, 81, passed away peacefully into the arms of her savior, Jesus on June 14, 2018, from Alzheimers Disease. Betty was born May 22, 1937 to Edwin and Anne Manspeaker. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, John Ross. Surviving Betty are her husband, Ben Leader; sisters, Nancy Smith of El Dorado, KS and Ruth (Dale) Hinshaw of Benton, KS; nieces and nephews, John, Betty, Lynn, Peggy, Mary, Terri and Kevin plus many great nieces and nephews. Betty graduated from El Dorado High School in 1954 and Oklahoma State University in 1960 with a degree in chemistry and a major in sociology. Betty married Benjamin (Sam) Leader on New Years Eve in 1961. They traveled extensively and had a love of nature. Every year Sam and Betty took a lengthy vacation to the Oregon coast until Betty became ill. After College Betty worked at Boeing in Wichita as an Industrial Hygienist. She later had an antique and collectibles shop for 10 years on East Kellogg. Betty worked tirelessly as a full-time volunteer at United Methodist Urban Ministry (now Open Door) for many years. She enjoyed a variety of reading from authors ranging from Jane Austen and Tony Hillerman to books on astronomy and nuclear physics. Betty enjoyed birdwatching, classical and early rock music and hosting family dinners. Betty was the principle caregiver with the help of family members for her mother, Anne who had Alzheimers Disease. Betty said it was the most blessed and difficult time of her life. Betty and Ben are founding members of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Wichita. Betty was passionate about helping people in need. She organized a hot meal lunch for homeless persons in downtown Wichita every Saturday for 12 years. Betty was an active member of the Order of St. Luke, a spiritual healing order. Memorials are established with the United Methodist Open Door and Trees for Life. Services for Betty will be held at Chapel Hill Methodist Church at 2:30pm on Friday June 22nd. Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.