Billie “Jean” Van Leiden

Billie “Jean” Van Leiden, 84, of Ottawa, Kansas died Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at Olathe Medical Center. She was born on Saturday, August 25, 1928 in Ottawa, the daughter of Edward and Nellie (McClelland) Brown. Jean was a lifelong Ottawa resident. She graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1946 and attended Ottawa University. On October 8, 1950 Jean was united in marriage with Antoni “Tony” Van Leiden in Ottawa, Kansas. He preceded her in death July 24, 2012. Survivors include two sons, Ricky Van Leiden of Lawrence, and Tim Van Leiden and wife Melissa of Ottawa; grandson, Dustin Van Leiden and wife Cathleen of Jacksonville, North Carolina; great-granddaughter, Emily Van Leiden of Pomona; nephew, Fred Brown of Branson, Missouri; niece, Jan McCarson and husband O. M. of Arlington, Texas and niece, Jill Reimer and husband Don of Spring, Texas. She is preceded in death by her husband, Tony Van Leiden; parents, Edward and Nellie Brown; and brother, Harry Brown. Jean was a lifelong homemaker also working for Ottawa Truck in the 1950’s doing clerical work. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and the “Whatever” Club, both of Ottawa. SERVICES: Funeral Services will be held at Dengel & Son Mortuary, 10:00 A.M. Saturday, May 4, 2013. IN STATE: Friends may pay their respects to Mrs. Van Leiden at Dengel & Son Mortuary from 1:00 P.M. Friday, to the service hour where the family will meet with friends from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. CEMETERY: Interment Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Hope House c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. An online Guest Book is available at www.dengelmortuary.com.