Kay Marlene Pederson was born June 10, 1932 in Rapid City, SD to Roy and Gladys (Masker) Pederson. She attended school in Rural Hermosa, Creighton and Rapid City, graduating from Rapid City High School in 1951.
Kay met Bill Leonard her senior year of high school and they were married in a double ceremony with Kay’s sister Audrey & Carl Harnisch, August 1951 in Wall, South Dakota.
Bill and Kay were a military family (Air Force) and lived many places and made great friends before his retirement in 1967, when they moved to Rapid City. In 1971, they moved to Wall opening the Elkton House Restaurant with her brother Gordon and his wife Betty Pederson. After selling the Elkton House, she enjoyed working at Wall Drug for 23 years---enjoying both customers and co-workers.
Kay’s greatest joys in life were her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Kay was a member of the Wall United Methodist Church, taught Church School and was active in UMW & Love Connections. She was also active in Lions Club and American Legion Auxiliary. She loved her church, her country and her family. She enjoyed sewing, cooking and knitting.
Kay is survived by her loving husband Bill of 66 years; daughters Robin (Bob) Caswell, and Kelly (Kent) Lurz; grandchildren Kevin Davison, Shane Davison, Jessica (Mike) Kroells, and Megan (Adam) Rislov; great-grandchildren Toby Davison, Aaden, Makenna and Brady Kroells, and Harper and Tayton Rislov; a sister JoAnn (Joe) Metcalf of Antioch, California; and a host of other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her son Ernest W. Leonard, Jr.; her parents Roy and Gladys; sisters Lorraine Sisk, Audrey Harnisch, and Natalie Wermager Foster; and a brother Gordon Pederson.
A memorial is being established in her honor.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 28 at the United Methodist Church in Wall with Pastor Russell Masartis officiating.
Interment will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 28 at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
Guest Book
South Dakota
~ Mary Wood (shelton)
Rapid-city (8/24/2017)
Bill, Kelly & Family, we are so sorry to hear of Kay's passing. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Marv & Jeanne Botz
Wall, SD (8/24/2017)
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
~ Tonya Matt
Sioux Falls (8/24/2017)
So sorry to hear of Kay's passing. She was a very sweet and kind person
~ Tom Clark
Pahoa, Hawaii (8/25/2017)
Fond memories of Kay from growing up on 5th St. and from her dad's ranch on S. 79. So sorry for your loss.
~ Jim Schumacher
Hill City, SD (8/26/2017)
Kay is the sweetest most kind person I have ever met. She is truly an angel.
~ Darcy Downey
San Marcos,TX (8/26/2017)
Kelly and family - So sorry for your loss
~ Donna Munger-Page
Spearfish, SD (8/25/2017)
Please accept our condolences. May the Lord be with you at this difficult time. Robb & Becky
~ Robb & Becky Smart
Wasilla, Alaska (8/26/2017)
We are very sorry for your loss. Hold tight to your wonderful memories.
God Bless
~ David & Mary Burnett
Philip (8/24/2017)
Hi Bill, Just a note to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Kay was a wonderful woman of faith. Take good care.
~ Pastor Bob Ruedebusch
Sioux Falls SD (8/29/2017)
Kelly, I just read about your moms' passing. So sorry for your loss, it brought back a lot of memories of S.Jamaica Street. She was always real sweet to me when we weren't getting in trouble. It has been many, many years but I still have very clear images of her. Remember Candles In The Wind? we played that a million times over. Peace and God Bless Belinda
~ Belinda Gosnell (Geller)
Mountain Home, AR (8/30/2017)
Kay was always friendly. She was a talented woman that loved her family and was truly a special person. My heart is with you during this time.
~ Becky Drury
Rapid City (8/26/2017)
Bill, Kelly, and Family, We are so sorry for the loss of your wonderful wife and mother Kay. We remember Kay as always smiling, always quidk witted, always helpful, and always proud of her family, town, and country. The Bud Estes family lived next door to Roy and Gladys for many years and have great affection and respect for the Pederson family and our good friend Bill. God be with you all in your time of grief.
~ Doug and Justine Estes
Rapid City, SD (8/28/2017)
I am so very sorry to hear of Kay's passing. She was a very wonderful lady. My deepest sympathies for your loss.
~ Angie Nellen
Hot Springs SD (8/24/2017)
We are so sorry to hear about Kay. She was such a sweet lady and will be missed by all. May God be with you all and comfort you.
~ Tom and Kamie Carmichael
Oakland, Nebraska (8/23/2017)
I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll keep you all in my prayers.
~ Barb Croell
Sundance, WY (8/23/2017)
Kay was an awesome fellow employee at Wall Drug. Our hearts go out to you, Bill, and Family, and pray that your memories of Kay, sustain you in the days ahead.
~ Ken and Karen Poppe
Wall (8/27/2017)
why heart goes out to the family Kay was a loving caring lady prayers go out to the family
~ Patty Hauk
Hot Springs (8/26/2017)
Bill and Family,
We are sorry for your loss. We pray that you will quickly find comfort in your loss. Take care and know you are loved. Matthew 5:4
~ Charles and Jeanine Sykora
Wall, SD (8/25/2017)
Kelly and family,
My Deepest Sympathy. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord Be With You Now and Always.
~ Fawna (Geigle) Goff
Sturgis, SD (8/23/2017)
My deepest condolences to the Leonard family. Even though I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Kay Leonard, I understand that losing a loved one is heartbreaking. Wishing to send a comforting hope for the future based on the words of our ancestor Job in Job 14:15 – “You will call, and I will answer you. You will long for the work of your hands.” May the hope of once again seeing our loved ones, give you the strength that you need during these difficult situation. For more information please visit: JW.org
~ Jen
jebeamoace1997@gmail.com (9/29/2017)
Dear Sweet Bill and Family,
I am deeply saddened to hear about Kay. I know she was the love of your life Bill and you will truly miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with you all! May God be with you during this difficult time.
~ Rhonda (Giggles) Mettler
Wall,SD (8/25/2017)
Our hearts are broken with the loss of a beautiful Lady. Rest in peace dear Aunt and know that you will be missed.
~ Dick and (Elsie) Jane Matt
Windsor, Colorado (8/23/2017)
My sympathy in the passing of Kay. My prayers are with you all.
~ Lea (Willuweit) Ymker
Armour SD (8/27/2017)