March is Women’s History Month and there are plenty of local gals who deserve a special salute.  In the January/February issue of Missouri Life Magazine, readers are introduced to 7 over 70 Missourians who are healthy, happy, and living well. One of those interviewed was Cuba native, Betty DeLeo. 

 

DeLeo has served as the Crawford County Historical Society President for over 20 years. She enhanced the local museum experience and provided exciting new exhibits each year. With her help, the museum expanded from one room to three floors of exhibits.

 

In addition to her time at the museum, DeLeo has volunteered countless hours for the community. She has been a Board Member of the Crawford County Library District for over 30 years. She served as the Board President at the Holy Cross School for three years and on the Board at the Cuba High School for six years. 

 

DeLeo interest in preservation has always been a priority. She has curated numerous collections for the museum. She connected with many local families to share their artifacts with the museum for past and future generations to enjoy. 

 

She was instrumental in one of Cuba’s best-selling cookbooks, Recipes With History. A collaboration with the Crawford County Historical Society, this book contains historic recipes and household advice spanning two centuries of Crawford County families.

 

Her interest in history goes beyond just the local museum. DeLeo’s latest project is the restoration of the house her father built in 1949, located along Historic Route 66 in Cuba.

As an avid reader, DeLeo enjoys the antics and simplicity of the Peanuts and the realistic approach of National Geographic. Nowadays, she goes online to research interesting topics.

 

When asked how she stays fit at age 88, DeLeo said, “Watching the Hallmark Channel keeps my spirit young. However, my evening routine is M*A*S*H at 6 pm with my friend Jack… Daniels.” 

 

While DeLeo misses her husband, the late Norman DeLeo, she keeps a can-do attitude about everything and is always up for a project. DeLeo resides in Cuba, MO.