Betty Jean Clouse

Funeral services for Betty Clouse will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at Gillette Memorial Chapel with Father Bryce Lungren officiating; interment to follow at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, August 9, 2021 at Gillette Memorial Chapel. Betty Jean Clouse (Lara), a lifelong Gillette resident, passed away peacefully in her home with her husband by her side at the age of 75. It was always said that Betty had nine lives as she battled and overcame many illnesses. 

Betty was born to Benerito and Rose Lara on December 22, 1945, she was the 2^nd oldest of 12 siblings.  She was employed early on, at the Goings Hotel, The Holiday Plaza Dry Cleaners, and the School District.  Aside from her years of work, she was most dedicated to being a loving mother, grandmother, and wife. 

Betty devoted many years of her life, enjoying time with her family and close friends.  She also really enjoyed camping, going on family vacations, playing bingo, and slots. Betty had so much love in her heart, she was willing to do anything she could for anyone.  Whenever family members needed love and support the most, she always found a way to make it happen.  She loved and doted on her grandchildren and great grandchildren, who will feel her loss immensely.  Her need and want to take care of her loved ones, really kept her pushing on.

Betty married Robert Leonard and had 5 children, they later divorced.  She then met and married the love of her life Bill Clouse June 15, 1974 who raised her children as his own.  He showed Betty true happiness and true love up until the last day.

Betty is survived by her loving husband Bill Clouse; her children, Duane (Jolene)Leonard; Eddie (Marlene)Leonard of Gillette; and Buffy Leonard (Tom Willar) of Rapid City; and Jennifer Clouse, of Greybull; four additional children she raised, Chris Lara, Alex Lara, Donniesha Lara and Olivia Lara of Gillette. Her 27 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Her remaining siblings, Glenda Valencia of San Bernadino, CA; Benny (Connie)Lara of Baton Rouge, LA; and Vicky (Kerry)Barker of Casper, WY.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Rose Lara; siblings, Donnie Lara, Dixie Schiefer, Billy Lara, Bobby Lara, Stevie Lara, Gloria Lara, Peggy Lara, and Brenda Lavallie; son, Rodney Leonard, daughters, Lori Leonard, LaVonn Orkney and Raylynn Melendez, and grandson, Will Leonard. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5^th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.gillettememorialchapel.com