Betty Ann (Leonard) Haller

Elizabeth "Betty"  Haller, age 89,  passed away on  December 30, 2024 in Defiance, Ohio. The daughter of Anna (Minck) and John Leonard, she was the "baby" of her siblings, born on May 9, 1935 in Cecil, Ohio.   She graduated from Defiance High School with the honor of earning the prestigious Lenhart Award given to the best female athlete. She married James "Jim" Haller in 1955 and has 4 beloved children, Robert (Diane) Haller of Antwerp, Michael (Gwen) Haller of Defiance, Diane Haller, and Steven Haller, both of Defiance. She was blessed with grandchilden Weston, Lynn, Jonathan, and Wade Haller, and Christy Lehner, and 3 great-grandchildren. She was employed as a bus driver for Northeastern Local Schools (Tinora) for 32 years, retiring in 2001.

Betty also cherished her relationships with many extended family members, and enjoyed spending time with the friends she made throughout her lifetime. She would want her love expressed for family consisting of not only blood ties but also those bonds formed from the heart. To the staff of the Laurels of Defiance who interacted with her in fun, kindness and care and to Heartland Hospice for helping her peacefully transition, she would want to express her gratitude, as do her children. 

Outside of her relationship with others, her children would like to share just a few of the many things that made them smile about their mom; throughout her life she enjoyed spending time at the lake and all things associated with "lake life", still at 89 you might find her sitting outside not only enjoying a warm day but to work on getting a tan, the independence she cherished of driving herself and others all over the place, wanting her cars to be clean (as she did her bus!), treating her pets as family, liked having her hair done and jewelry on, and was always ready for a sweet treat and an ice-cold Diet Coke. Mom, you will forever be in our hearts.

Preceding her in death was her husband (2009), parents, and all 6 of her siblings, Maxine Corwin, Marjorie Ripke, Louis Leonard, John (Jack) Leonard, Terri Leonard, Irene Scantlen, and sister-in-law, Lois Haller.

Betty will be laid to rest at Brunersburg Cemetery at a later date.

Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

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