Mary Kathleen Leser, of Prairie Grove, passed away on Monday, May 5, 2026, at 88 years old. She was born January 16, 1938, in Edmond, Oklahoma, to Clarence Billen and Juanita Billen (Jones).
She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Corky Billen and Harold Billen.
Kathleen worked with her mother, who owned a restaurant in Edmond, Oklahoma. She raised four children as a single parent before eventually meeting Bob Leser. They were married for 53 years and settled in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where she was a skilled homemaker. She loved sewing, home decoration, and holiday trips. She was a volunteer staff assistant at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral and an enthusiastic choir member. Her smile and personality made her a popular lady.
Kathleen is survived by her husband, Bob Leser; sons, Michael Hood and wife, Joline, Derek Hood and wife Reni; daughters, Rebecca Hood and Sarah Acosta; grandchildren, Tanya, Megan, Laura, Anna, Sean, Melissa, Jeremiah, Jedidiah, Ezekiel, Shannon, and Jessica; and many other cousins, nieces, nephews, and loved ones.
The memorial service will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Luginbuel Funeral Home in Prairie Grove.