Bertha Jean LESLIE

Bertha Jean LESLIE, 87, of New Holland, PA, formerly of Galeton, passed away Wednesday, November 29, 2023 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. 

The oldest of six children, “Jean” was born on March 31, 1936, in Tazwell County, VA, to Gilbert R. and Nora Day Hayes.  She dropped out of school to help run the family farm and care for her younger siblings.  Jean married Ben Bowman and they moved to the Glenville community in Delaware in 1959 when Ben got a job at Chrysler.  Jean earned her GED and was employed by Sears department store, manager of Leroy’s (ladies clothing store), and as a pharmacist assistant by Eckerd Drugs, retiring in 1988.  The Bowman family enjoyed family camping trips and purchased a hunting camp in Galeton, Potter County, PA, where they later retired in 1989.  After Ben’s passing in 1990, Jean married Edward Leslie and remained in Galeton.  Ed & Jean owned and operated Leslie’s Septic Service.  Jean was a member of West Pike Baptist Church.  An avid snowmobiler, she was a member of the PA Grand Canyon Snowmobile Club, God's Country Black Forest Snowmobile Club, and Potter County Snowmobile Association.  She served as a director of the Pennsylvania State Snowmobile Association for 10 years and was president of the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum Associates (PALMA).  Jean had a big heart for children and bought gifts for those in need at Christmas for many years.  Jean will lay in rest in West Hill Cemetery next to her husband, Ben Bowman.  

She was predeceased by her parents; her first husband, Bailey “Ben” Bowman; her son, Gary L. Bowman; three brothers, Roger W. (Rachel) Hayes, Randolph N. (Marie) Hayes, and Jerry A. Hayes; and a step-granddaughter, Nicole Silvester.  

Surviving are: her husband, Edward E. Leslie; her daughter, Sandra Bowman; two granddaughters, Kaye (Matthew) Fager and Shannon Riley; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Ronald (Linda) Hayes; a sister, Linda (Melvin) Furr; sister-in-law, Brenda J. (Ronald) Queen; two step-daughters, Donna (William T.) Lease and Judy Profeto; three step-grandchildren, Michelle (Andy) Smith, Chad (Jennifer) Lease, and James (Nicole) Profeto; and six step-great-grandsons.  

Funeral Services will be held 12:00 PM, Tuesday, December 5, 2023 in the West Pike Baptist Church, 517 Old Route 6, Galeton, PA 16922.  Committal services and burial will follow in West Hill Cemetery, Galeton.  

Memorials may be made to West Pike Baptist Church, c/o Carolyn Prouty, 3439 Loucks Mills Road, Ulysses, PA 16948.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.