Susan Leatham

Susan Laurie Leatham was born June 12, 1940 in Freeport, New York. She is the daughter of Benjamin Robert Dykstra and Matilda Beatrice Zinek.

She spent her early childhood days in Long Island, New York. For the duration of World War II she lived with her mother in New York while her father served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific theater. After the war she lived in various places where her father's employment took the family, primarily in Alexandria, Virginia and Ankara, Turkey.

She graduated from Alexandria High School then attended William and Mary College in Richmond Virginia, majoring in art education. Subsequently she transferred to New Paltz State Teachers College in New Paltz, New York.

She met her husband, Anthony Lynn Leatham (a.k.a. Tony) in Alexandria. They dated through her senior year of high school and then dated long distance for four years while Tony attended the U.S. Military Academy. They were married in the Cadet Chapel on graduation day, June 6, 1962. Tony accepted a commission in the U.S. Air Force, and they served at various Air Force bases until retirement in 1980.

She is survived by her husband, her son Bryan, son-in-law Flent Ballantyne, grand children Steven Ballantyne, Keeton Ballantyne, Logan Ballantyne, Colin Leatham, Luna Lux, Noah Leatham, Kase Leatham, and Kipp Leatham,. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Laurie Sue Leatham Ballantyne.

Susan was totally dedicated to raising her children, and while the kids were growing up she especially cherished getting the extended family together for frequent dinners and fun time. After retirement she enjoyed traveling the country with her husband in their RV.

Although suffering from illness for many years in later years, Susan remained a woman of strong faith. In her youth she was a member of the Presbyterian church. After marriage she became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to her favorite charities the Humane Society and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

A graveside service will be held at the Wellsville Cemetery on Friday, March 29th, 2025 at 4:00 PM.  

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary. Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.