Elizabeth Yarrow Leckenby

Elizabeth Yarrow LECKENBY After a life long in years and deep in love, Betty Yarrow Leckenby died on January 16, 2008 in her home at Horizon House in Seattle, WA. Born on October 11, 1914, in Denver, Colorado, this humble and beloved woman was shaped in her early years by the beauty of the natural world, by the love of books and music, and by the joy of loving service to all persons. Always a seeker and learner, she was educated at Oberlin College, Pacific Oaks School and Seattle Pacific University - all of which enriched her professional life as a teacher and social worker in numerous settings and in her personal life. Betty was married to the Rev. Ernest A. Yarrow in 1937. Their four children were born over the years as they shared a life of ministry and joy while Ernie pastored (United Church of Christ) churches in Mount Kisco, NY, River Edge, NJ, Seattle, WA, Winnetka, IL, and South Pasadena, CA. before his sudden death in 1965. Betty's gifts of friendship, gracious hospitality, warm generosity and quiet kindness endeared her to members and friends in each of these churches. After Ernie's death, Betty taught for several years in the Highline School District, a calling to which she gave her whole creative and delightful self! In 1975/76 she developed a preschool/kindergarten as a teacher at Dansalan College on the island of Mindanao, in the Philippines, for the Board for World Ministries of the United Church of Christ, a particularly meaningful time when she joyfully embraced a place and a people whom she loved for all her remaining years. She then served on the visitation staff of Plymouth Congregational Church (UCC) in Seattle, where she has been a member for many years. In 1978, Betty married William S. Leckenby and with him and his family, she ventured into an active new life as they lived on Whidbey Island, Bainbridge Island and in Seattle until Bill's death in 1993. For the past 14 years, Betty has delighted in the love of her extended family and many friends of all ages, living gratefully and generously in the world. Betty's legacy is a gift to all who were blessed by her presence: a deep faith, wise humor, hope for the future found in children's lives, a giving heart, commitment to peace and justice for all peoples, a love of poetry and music, courageous strength in the face of life's challenges, and an exquisite capacity to be fully present to other persons. Her family is profoundly grateful for the skilled care of the Horizon House Supported Living staff over the past years, and for the tender care of her personal caregivers and Providence Hospice since her stroke in May, 2007. Betty's family, grateful for this woman who was small in stature but huge in heart, includes her four children: Susan Yarrow Morris (David), Nancy Cope (Roy), Jeani Holzman (Michael) and Peter Yarrow. Her loving grandchildren: Kristin, Rebecca, Nicholas, Lauren, Andrew and their spouses, and her ten great grandchildren, will forever delight in the memories of their cherished "Gammy," from whom they learned so much. A large extended family gave Betty much joy as well. Her family also includes Bill's family: son, Edward Leckenby (Susan), and their children, Stephen and John. Bill's other children, Larry, Richard and Mary Leckenby, predeceased Betty. Their children, Sarah, Erin and Lara, were also in her loving circle. A Service of Thanksgiving and Loving Remembrance for Elizabeth Yarrow Leckenby will be held on Sunday, February 3, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. in the Horizon House Chapel. (Parking available close by.) In gratitude for the life of this beloved woman, memorial gifts may be sent to: Wider Church Ministries, East Asia Office, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Ave. E., Cleveland, OH 44115, designated for the "Betty Yarrow Leckenby Memorial Fund" at Dansalan College in the Philippines. The Residents' Assistance Fund, Horizon House, 900 University St., Seattle, WA 98101.