Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Leach was born on April 23, 1932, in Martin, South Dakota, to Dan and Juanita (Estes) Page. She was the oldest of ten kids and grew up on the family ranch, where she learned early what hard work looked like. She graduated from high school in Martin, South Dakota. Betty passed away peacefully with her grandsons, Joseph, and Dusty by her side on April 15, 2026.


In 1950, Betty married Ronald (Ron) Harrington, and together they welcomed a daughter, Connie. Later, Betty married James (Virgil) Leach in 1956, and they had two children, Jim and Teresa. Over the years, Betty made a life in many places—spending a short time in Oklahoma before settling on a ranch south of Merriman, Nebraska. After that chapter, she and her three kids moved to Colorado, where she lived in the Rifle area.


In 1968, Betty headed north to Anchorage, Alaska, where she lived for a few years before returning closer to home in South Dakota. She spent time near Interior at the Headlee place, and later moved to Martin, where she ran the American Legion and went on to own and operate the Markota Restaurant and Lounge. That place became well known, much like Betty herself.


In 1992, she moved back to the family ranch near Interior to be with her mother after her father passed. During this time, Betty did what she enjoyed - raised a plethora of animals, from cows, horses, goats, chickens, ducks; planted acres of garden, collected antiques, and most of all, spent quality time with her grandchildren, teaching them everything they need to know about living the good life. Later, in 1998, she moved to Farnam, Nebraska, where she spent many good years with family and friends. In 2017 after an auto mobile accident that retired her from the ranch life, Betty made her way to Wall, South Dakota, to her grandson Joe, and with the help of his brother Dusty, and sisters Tara and Kim, they cared for her until her passing. She wanted to be at home until her final moments which were made possible with the same love that she taught, which is the biggest blessing of all.


Betty had a true gift when it came to growing things. Her gardens were something special—full of flowers that showed the time and care she gave them. She was also known for her cooking and baking. She didn’t need a recipe—she just knew how to make it, and people especially remember her rolls, pies, pancakes, and most of all her famous prime rib.


She was just as talented with a needle as she was in the kitchen, and she could sew or embroider just about anything. Another one of Bettys' many talents were piloting an airplane to and from school. But maybe more than anything, Betty loved to visit. She could sit down with a cup of coffee and talk for hours—telling stories, sharing history, or just enjoying good company. A typical call to Grandma Betty was sure to last at least two hours.


Ranch life was always a part of who she was. She never shied away from the work and spent her years right alongside her family—feeding cattle, milking cows, tending chickens, and doing whatever needed to be done. It was a life she took pride in, one shaped by the example her parents set.


Betty kept her independence and her determination to the very end. She made it very clear she didn’t want to go anywhere but her home. Her grandson Joe gave her a place to stay and made sure it was a home, so Betty could get around and keep doing the things with some care and assistance. Her grandsons Joe and Dusty were there to make sure her every need was met. She looked forward to Kim, her granddaughters’ visits with the expectation of getting to snuggle her yorkie Pistol. She looked forward to them stopping by to go somewhere, maybe lay down beside her for a nap or just a good visit. When Teresa O’Connell who helped care for Betty, came in daily, she would tell her how lucky she was to have her grandkids taking care of her. She got her wish to stay home until it was time for her final journey.


Betty is survived by her son, James Leach (Linda Ducello) of Oglala, South Dakota; her daughters, Connie (Tom) Goins-Legg of Emmett, Idaho, and Teresa (Bruce) Schneider of Elwood, Nebraska; thirteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and daughter-in-law, Sue Leach of Interior; and a very special friend and caregiver Teresa O’Connell.


She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Juanita Page and brother Frank Page, and sister Pearl Wilsey.

Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Interior Community Room at the Fire Hall. A procession from the fire hall to the cemetery will begin at 11:00 a.m.

Graveside services will then be held at the Interior Fairview Cemetery at 11:00 a.m.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 409 Wall, SD 57790.