Onetia Jean (Kelley) Leonard

Onetia Jean Leonard of Albuquerque, NM went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 19, 2023 after several years of declining health.

Jean, age 91, was born Thursday, February 4, 1932 in Hollywood, CA to David Otis and Onetia May Kelley. She graduated from high school in Lexington, KY and attended Abilene Christian College for one year. She later graduated from UNM in Albuquerque, NM with a B.A. and Masters Degree in Art Education. Jean joined APS and taught elementary school at Hawthorn, Montgomery, Onate , and Osuna Elementary and retired after 30 years. She was a dedicated teacher and proud of the many students she had the privilege to educate. Jean became a charter and lifetime honorary member and one time State President of Delta Kappa Gamma.

One of her greatest loves was traveling with family and friends. She traveled to many places around the world including all 50 US States, She enjoyed oil and tole painting giving numerous gifts to family. She enjoyed sewing and was an avid reader.

Most of all she loved her family with all her heart. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. She was a member of the Church of Christ and her life-long belief and strong faith in God guided her every step of the way.

Jean is survived by her three children: C. Edward Leonard (Cynthia) Albuquerque, NM, Eydee Van Atta (Bob) Long Beach, CA, Mona L. Krogstad (Steve) Montgomery, AL, five grandchildren: Sky Mahoney (Kyle) Ballston Lake, NY, Rachel Wages (Alan) Montgomery, AL, Scott Van Atta (Kellie) Newbury Park, CA, Alyson McElwain (Greg) Boise, Idaho, Nicole Gough (Trent) Phillipston, MA, eight great-grandchildren: Ryan, Rose, Paxton, Everly, Kaleb, Paizlee, Anna, and Emily. Brother Robert Otis Kelley (Marcia) CA & CO and nieces Jennifer Kelley, Albuquerque, NM and Karin Gerdts (Mike) Spring, TX.
A private Graveside Service will be held at Sunset Memorial Park. Memorial Service will be at Northeast Church of Christ, 11000 Paseo Del Norte NE, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 8, 2023

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Albuquerque Children's Home or your favorite charity.