Montezuma - Bernice Putnam Leahy was born to Samuel Steven Putman and Louisa Jane Olsen Putman at Elvins, Missouri on October 20 1919. She peacefully passed into eternity January 21, 2019 at Bethel Home Montezuma Kansas, reaching the age of 99 years.

She was baptized into the Baptist Church at age 12 at Elvin, Missouri, 60 miles south of St. Louis. At age 21, she left home and went to work in St. Louis, in the banking business, which she loved. There she began as a filing clerk and worked her way up to a teller. In 1983, Bernice married Larry Leahy. He preceded her in death in 1991.

In 1975, while living in St. Louis, Bernice became acquainted with Lorraine Valdez and her son Chris. They spent a lot of quality family time together, and created a life-long bond. These memories are precious to us to this day.

After leaving St. Louis and moving several times, she moved to Pensacola, Florida, to be near Chris, Julie and family. This bond was an important factor when it came to the time in her life when she needed extra care. Through this, Bernice became acquainted with Bethel Home in Montezuma. While here she gave her heart to Jesus and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite, October 10 ^th 2010, by Minister Sam Unruh. On this commitment, she remained faithful until the end.

Preceding her in death are her father; mother; three sisters, Ruth Putnam, Golda Thormure, and Dorothy Seabourne; one brother, Ray Putnam; and a number of nephews and nieces.

Funeral service will be held at Salem Mennonite Church, Copeland on Wednesday January 23, 2019 at 10:30 AM with Ministers Delton Wedel, Sam Unruh, Kelsey Unruh, and Steve Unruh presiding.  Burial will follow at Salem Mennonite Cemetery, Copeland.  Visitation will be at Bethel Home, Montezuma on Tuesday January 22, 2019 from 4:00-5:00 PM.  Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.