Obituary of Leland Baney

Born November 4, 1920 at their farm home northwest of Benkelman, Nebraska, Leland Loyal Baney was the third child and only son of Mildred (Hoover) and Loyal C. Baney. Leland’s father was killed in a truck-train accident when Leland was less than 3 years old. William Hoover, his maternal grandfather, stepped in to help the single mother household and was a big influence in Leland’s life. After high school, Leland farmed with his Grandfather Hoover near Benkelman. In July of 1946, Leland married Dorothy Zorn and to this union was born two daughters Ann and Linda. In 1950, the family moved to Colorado to farm land south of Burlington owned by Leland’s mother-in-law, Marie Zorn. He raised wheat, milo and cattle. The Dust Bowl of the 1950’s made their first years very difficult, and Dorothy taught school in Burlington to help make ends meet. The Smoky Hill School and community gave the Baneys a sense of community and a place to socialize with other farm families. In 1960, when it was announced that the Smoky Hill School would be consolidating with the Burlington Schools, the family moved to Burlington so the girls could attend school there. In the 1960’s, Leland accepted Jesus as his Savior with his family. The church became a big part of their lives no matter where they were. After his daughters graduated from high school, Leland wanted to move back to the country and they built a house south of Burlington. In the 1980’s, Leland and Dorothy bought a motor home and began going south for part of the winter. They finally settled on Yuma, Arizona, as their 2nd home, where they “wintered” for nearly 20 years. Leland and Dorothy both enjoyed the role of grandparents. When the grandchildren came to stay in the summer or for a Christmas visit, Leland provided all kinds of entertainment. In 2010, when Leland and Dorothy were no longer able to safely live in their country home, they moved to Quail Run, the assisted living duplex, that is part of The Legacy Assisted Living facility in Burlington. In July of 2013, Leland and Dorothy quietly celebrated 67 years of marriage. Leland lived 93 years, a full life in which he often said he had been “richly blessed.” Leland passed away on Monday, December 16, 2013 at the Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital in Burlington. Leland was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dorothy, and infant son, and a sister Winifred Pheifer. Leland is survived by 2 daughters, Ann (Tom) Hills of Dalhart, TX, and Linda Liebl of Burlington, Colorado. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren; Kori (Brian) Phenegar of Austin, TX, Drew (Andrea) Liebl of Ft. Collins, CO, Jay (Kelsey) Hills of Dallas, TX, and Dain Liebl (Ashley Kelliher) of Denver, CO; 3 great grandsons; Evan and Quinn Phenegar and Hyde Hills; 2 sisters, Marjorie Biber of Nevada, MO, and Marian Shaw of Benkelman, NE, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.