Betty Jean (Kirby) McLeod

Memorial services for Betty Jean (Kirby) McLeod, 85, will be held Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 1 p.m. at West Plano Presbyterian Church. Inurnment will be at the DFW National Cemetery on Monday, February 23, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. Mrs. McLeod passed away February 5, 2015, in Richardson, Texas. Betty was born April 10, 1929, in Sherman, Texas, to the late William Matison and Ola Mae (McKee) Kirby. She had two sisters, Martha Morrison and the late Matalene Jennings. Betty's parents were in the grocery store business and ran Kirby Grocery near Austin College in Sherman for many decades. Betty married Lieutenant William (Bill) Wilfred McLeod, a Fighter Pilot in the U. S. Air Force stationed at nearby Perrin AFB on October 6, 1956.\ Betty soon embarked on the adventure and the lifestyle of an officer's wife. Bill and Betty were transferred to Hahn AFB, Hahn Germany and returned to the U.S. after four years with two sons William Bruce and Malcolm Brett. Their return stateside in 1960 was to Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas, where their third son Wilfred Scott was born. Her family was always the center of Betty's world, where she spent countless hours herding the three young boys, feeding the family and whatever fighter pilots showed up unannounced for a lovingly prepared home-cooked meal. The family moved with the Air Force to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where Bill later retired in 1966. Betty, a true Southern lady, was the consummate hostess throughout her life and loved to entertain friends and family in her home for holidays, dinner and cocktail parties. Betty's adventure continued after Bill went to work for Levi Strauss where he spent the next 17 years, continuing to move the family every year or two. She meticulously created homes and lives for the family in Sherman, Amarillo, Wichita Falls, Albuquerque, Amarillo again, and finally settled in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in 1973; a total of eight moves to new homes in just nine years. All three sons attended and graduated from the University of Arkansas under the guidance of her steady hand. After Bill retired a second time in 1982, he and Betty enjoyed retirement, first moving to San Antonio and then to the Dallas area to be closer to family. She and Bill traveled extensively throughout the US and Canada in their motorhome, visiting friends, family and seeing the country. Betty had six grandchildren, who were the greatest joy in her life. She would glow when they were around. They all adored their Nana. Some of her favorite times were when all her children, their wives and her grandchildren were at their house enjoying each other's company. She would cook huge meals, ensuring everyone had their favorite foods. Betty is survived by her husband of 58 years, Bill, as well as her son, William Bruce McLeod and his wife Yvette and their two sons, Andrew and Will of Plano, Texas; son, Malcolm Brett McLeod and wife Julie and their two sons, Thomas and Kirby of Lucas, Texas; and son, Wilfred Scott McLeod and wife Anne and their daughter, Caleigh and son Bradan of Houston, Texas. Betty is also survived by her sister, Martha Morrison of Sherman, Texas, as well as multiple cousins, nieces and nephews throughout Canada and the U.S. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association, West Plano Presbyterian Church or to the charity of your choice.