Betty L. (Stack) Leonard

Betty Lou (Stack) Leonard, 80, of the Town of Salisbury, New York, passed away peacefully on Sunday night, January 17, 2021 at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare in New Hartford, New York with her loving children by her side.

She was born on October 6, 1940 in Salisbury, New York and was the daughter of the late, Wendell and Flossie (Moore) Cool. Betty Lou was educated at Salisbury and Stratford in one-room school houses and received her final and formal education at Dolgeville Central School. She loved to share stories of attending the one-room schoolhouses and in particular, Paper Mill School on Dairy Hill Road in Salisbury.

Betty took great pride in being a homemaker for her eight children. She turned her love of cooking, baking and caring for others, into a beloved career as a Dietary Cook at the former, Van Allen Nursing Home in Little Falls, New York. She retired after many years of service. She was a member of the Salisbury Methodist Church.

Betty was a loving, sweet and kind mother, yet tough as nails when needed. She had a soft spot for her boys, tending to spoil them as needed. They had her undivided attention and forgiving love. Betty raised her girls to be strong, independent women, yet to walk alongside their husbands in work and play. Being raised by a strong woman, physically, mentally and spiritually is one of the greatest gifts she could have given all eight of her children. She enjoyed the simple things in life, cooking and baking, gardening, mowing her lawn, berry picking and canning the fruits of her labor. Betty believed in old school values, hard work, honor your mother and father, respect family time, eat together and give as much as you can to those in need. When her children were young, her favorite time of year was summer vacation, when all her children would be home with her. She continued this with taking loving care of many of her grandchildren. It was a rare day when her kitchen wasn't full of smells of goodness, cooking, kids running around and adults packed at the table.

She is survived by her beloved children, Edward Stack and his companion, Debbie of Newport, NY, Karen Ferguson and her companion, John of Buffalo, WY, Mary Skuza of Dolgeville, NY, Tina Gorinshek and her husband, Tag of Little Falls, NY, Joseph Stack and his companion, Linda of Salisbury, NY, Melissa Hull and her husband, Jamie of Salisbury, NY and Gary Lamphere, Jr. of Salisbury, NY; 22 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Daisy Sterusky and her companion, Warren Lanphere of Salisbury, NY and Wendy Tallman of Little Falls, NY; one brother, Gregory Cool and his wife, Linda of Minot, ND; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Betty was predeceased by her beloved sons, an infant, Brian Lamphere and Bradley Lamphere; one grandson, Joseph Stack, Jr.; a sister, Barbara Smith; and two sons in law, Richard Lamphere, Sr. and Marc Skuza.

In keeping with family wishes, all immediate services for Betty will be private. A spring graveside service will be held on Friday, May 7, 2021 at 1 p.m. at Salisbury Rural Cemetery in Salisbury Center, New York with Pastor Mark Hediger officiating. The family will be holding a Celebration of Life gathering at the Dolgeville Rod and Gun Club immediately following the burial. All are welcome to attend both services while wearing a mask when necessary, and practice social distancing procedures. The family is being cared for by Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York.

Betty shared a special bond with her grandson, Elisha Hull and his girlfriend, Amanda Whittaker. While they provided care for her, they benefited just as much by being able to now carry precious memories with them for a life time. The family would like to give special thanks to Betty Jean Cool, her loving caregiver, who provided Betty with the care that allowed her to stay in her home of 55 years.

Please consider memorial contributions for the Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 65, Salisbury Center, New York 13454.

To leave a message of sympathy for the family of Betty L. Leonard, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall.

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