Leota Nadine Crosse
March 31, 1937 — November 12, 2017
Leota Nadine (Bothwell) Crosse was born on March 31, 1937 in Little Sioux, IA to Leo and Nina Bothwell, and was the oldest of eight girls and two boys. She was lovingly called “Otie” by her family, and friends knew her as “Lee.” Lee graduated from Little Sioux HS in 1955. She played all sports, was in band, music groups, and was a cheerleader. After graduation, Lee attended beauty school in Omaha. She met “Phil the Pill” at Crosstown roller rink in the winter of 1955 and they were married on October 28, 1956. Their first son, David was born in May 1958, and second son, Danny in November 1960.
Lee had a beauty shop in her home for many, many years. After their sons were out of the nest, Lee and Phil started going on Lay Witness Missions from 1982 till 1997, traveling all over Iowa and to five other states. During that time is when they started their puppet ministry, “Puppets with a Purpose.” They went on two missions trips to Guatemala, and for a while they thought that mission trips were their calling, but God put it in their hearts to stay in Persia, Iowa, and continue to be a part of Abundant Life to uplift and encourage their pastors, Jeff and Rebecca. This is where Lee’s heart was until her death.
Lee was a very purpose-driven individual, and she felt that her last God-given purpose in life was to impact her grandchildren and great grandchildren for the kingdom of God. Her desire was to see them all saved and living for god before she died. That did not happen but Lee died in faith, trusting and believing in God and that the desire of her heart would come to pass. She always said, “They are my seed and Satan cannot have them!”
Lee also enjoyed painting, scrap booking, music, and most especially reading and studying God’s word. She managed the book store at ALC for many, many years.
Leota went to be with the Lord on November 12, 2017 in Tulsa, OK. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents and four siblings. Lee is survived by son, David and daughter-in-law Vicki; son Danny; 10 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Lee had a beauty shop in her home for many, many years. After their sons were out of the nest, Lee and Phil started going on Lay Witness Missions from 1982 till 1997, traveling all over Iowa and to five other states. During that time is when they started their puppet ministry, “Puppets with a Purpose.” They went on two missions trips to Guatemala, and for a while they thought that mission trips were their calling, but God put it in their hearts to stay in Persia, Iowa, and continue to be a part of Abundant Life to uplift and encourage their pastors, Jeff and Rebecca. This is where Lee’s heart was until her death.
Lee was a very purpose-driven individual, and she felt that her last God-given purpose in life was to impact her grandchildren and great grandchildren for the kingdom of God. Her desire was to see them all saved and living for god before she died. That did not happen but Lee died in faith, trusting and believing in God and that the desire of her heart would come to pass. She always said, “They are my seed and Satan cannot have them!”
Lee also enjoyed painting, scrap booking, music, and most especially reading and studying God’s word. She managed the book store at ALC for many, many years.
Leota went to be with the Lord on November 12, 2017 in Tulsa, OK. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents and four siblings. Lee is survived by son, David and daughter-in-law Vicki; son Danny; 10 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
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