Betty Ione Leis

Betty Ione Leis, 90, passed away at her home on February 22, 2022. She was born in Fowler, Kan., to the late Walter and Feryl (Flinn) Marrs. Her beloved husband of 69 years, Clarence Andrew Leis, passed away on February 13, 2022. She grew up on the family farm playing the clarinet in the high school band, voted homecoming queen in football and basketball at Fowler High School. After graduation she attended Fort Hays State College. After marrying Clarence Leis in 1952 they moved to Seattle with the Navy and was assigned to service in Guam. After Clarence served in the Navy, they relocated to Fowler, Kan., where he worked for McLellan's Department Stores in Dodge City, Kan., Prior and Vinita, Okla., then Ben Franklin in Coffeyville, Kan. They settled in Rogers, Ark., where Clarence was the second store manager for Walmart. She raised five children, and was active at St Vincent De Paul Church working with the youth 25 years. Along with Clarence they were awarded the "PRO ECCLESIA ET PONTIFICE" award from Pope John Paul II in 1984. She studied and supported Clarence through the diaconate program in which Clarence was ordained in 1993. She worked at St Mary's Hospital in the dietary department and later volunteered at the hospital. She enjoyed her flower gardens, sewing, and making many quilts for her grandchildren. She loved sports and cheered on the Razorbacks by helping the referees with many calls. Betty was also preceded in death by her siblings, Aileen Bruington, Leola Brown, Guinola Tacha, LaVon Miller and Wendell Marrs; her step-mother, Mabel Furman Marrs, and step siblings, Herman Furman, Elsie Furman Masters and Delbert Furman. She is survived by her siblings, Alfred Marrs, Warrenetta Fisher and Virgil Marrs, and children, Dr. Dan Leis (Katy) of Rogers, Gary Leis (Pedro) of Rogers, Jim Leis (Janie) of Rogers, Theresa Brauburger (Ted) of Bella Vista, and Greg Leis of Rogers; 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild. Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 from 5-7 at Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers. A Rosary will be Thursday at 9 a.m., in St. Vincent de Paul Church with Memorial Mass at 10 a.m. Live stream viewing of the Memorial Mass can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/SVDPRogers/live_videos. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Vincent de Paul Building Fund, 1416 West Poplar St. Rogers, Ark., 72756 or Circle of Life Hospice 1201 NE Legacy Parkway, Bentonville, Ark., 72712. Online condolences can be made at www.rollinsfuneral.com.