Obituaries

Winter 2024

Because Voices of Laurel is a quarterly publication, obituaries are compiled over the course of each issue every three months. We do our best to include as many published notices as possible, and there is no charge for inclusion. Send obituaries with a photo to laurelhistoryboys@gmail.com.

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Kenneth Edward Beatty II, 75

Kenneth (Ed) Edward Beatty II of Jessup, Maryland, passed away on December 28, 2023. Ed was born in Washington D.C. on April 2, 1948 and graduated high school from Baltimore City College in 1967.

Ed enlisted in the Army in 1968. He attended basic training at Ft. Bragg and continued on to specialized technical training at Ft. Monmouth. From 1969 to 1970 he served in Vietnam with the 1st Aviation Division where he was a Doppler radar technician on the OV-1 Mohawk military aircraft. After returning from Vietnam he was stationed at Fort Huachuca. He left the Army in 1971 attaining the rank of Specialist E5.

After the Army, Ed attended Towson University where he graduated in 1981 with a BS in General Studies-the Helping Field. While there, he met Carol Graham and they were married in 1975. Over the years, Ed worked for various defense contractors in the mechanical engineering field including Litton Amecom/Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and Ciena Corporation. Throughout his life, Ed had a deep passion for helping others. Later in his career, he worked with organizations that served individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A man of faith, Ed was a founding member of the Glen Arm Christian Fellowship and the Broadneck Evangelical Presbyterian Church. He was also an active member of several other churches over the years. He had numerous hobbies, but he had a special love for fishing, crabbing, sports, and cooking. Ed was a fantastic chef. He was a Baltimore Ravens and Orioles fan. There was nothing he liked more than watching his son Sam play baseball. Over the years Ed with Carol owned numerous dogs and cats. He leaves behind his two beloved Welsh Cardigan Corgis, Teddy and Charlotte. He is survived by his wife Carol, his son Samuel (Anna), and sisters Janet Foye, Carol Tengen (Bernie), Elaine Patterson (Lester), Laura Marino, and Margie Krom (Ed).

Danny N. Betman, 72

Danny Betman, beloved husband of Mitzi (Robison), father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, surrounded by family. He was 72. Danny was born on Halloween 1951 to Joseph and Phyllis Betman. He was the third of five children, and is survived by his four siblings, Nancy (Byron) Lambert, David (Beth) Betman, Donald (Joy) Betman, and Doug (Tamara) Betman.

Danny is also survived by his four amazing daughters Sarah (Edwin Flores) Betman, Christy (Bill) McKenney, Ruth (David) Bryant, and Rebecca (David) Gavin, as well as his seven cherished grandchildren Monica, Jackson, Molly, Levi, Mia, Emma, and Luke.

As the son of a career Air Force Senior Master Sargent, Danny and his family lived in Turkey while his father was stationed there from 1955-1958. Upon returning to the states, his family lived in Lewisdale where he attended Lewisdale Elementary and Mt. Rainier Junior High. Danny graduated from Northwestern High School in 1969, and still has many friends from both his elementary, junior, and high school days.

In 1974, Danny joined the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier in Hyattsville. He transferred to a clerk position in Riverdale, working at MSC Prince Georges, and then the Southern Maryland Facility. He was promoted to Postal Service Headquarters in 1992, and retired as an Operations Analyst in 2006.

Danny was a proud member and elected official of the American Postal Workers Union. He served as editor of the union paper, and was elected as President of his local chapter. In 1990, he began volunteering at the non-profit Prince George’s County Hotline & Suicide Prevention Center as a crisis counselor. In addition to his three-hour shift each week, he trained volunteers, coordinated outreach, and was a member of the hotline’s volunteer activities committee. From 1996–1998, Danny served as the president of the organization. The hotline formally changed its name to Community Crisis Services, Inc. Danny loved his time with the hotline organization, and especially the many volunteers with whom he served.

Danny loved to travel! From the many cruises with the entire family (thanks to his in-laws Joseph and Joan Robison), spending three weeks a year in Bonaire, traveling to Las Vegas with Mitzi, enjoying trips to Disney with the kids and then grandkids, to the many trips to Pittsburgh and Florida to spend time with special friends...and the many road trips! Danny recently checked off both The Baseball Hall of Fame and Niagara Falls from his bucket list.

Danny will be remembered as a kind, loving, generous, and humble person whose spirit will live on in his family’s hearts for generations to come.

Bob Frederick Holland, 76

U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class Bob Frederick Holland, 76, died in the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center in Largo, Maryland, on September 12, 2023, after a long illness sustained from a fall. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with 5 campaign stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Mr. Holland was honorably discharged from active duty on 3/13/1970. He resided at Selborne House on Main Street in Laurel.

Mr. Holland was born on July 17, 1947, in Denver, Colorado to Perley and Henriette Holland. In June 1966, he joined the Navy where his career began. He is survived by an “adopted family member” Jessie Ifill and close friends Bertha Council and Jackie Adams. He particularly enjoyed playing games with this close group of companions. He loved his daily strolls through Old Town Laurel.

US Navy Petty Officer Third Class Holland will be remembered for his love of walking, friendly nature, and sharp wit. The residents of Laurel, Maryland will miss this well-known, likable, and understated hometown hero.

John Edmund Kalie, 94

John Edmund Kalie, 94, of Laurel, Maryland passed away peacefully under the full moon on October 28, 2023. He was born in 1929 to John Andrew Kalie and Margret Ann Miazga (Nyugen). John is survived by his son Edmund and loving daughter in law Nancy, grandchildren Alex and Christine; siblings Betty Mazonkey, Bernie, Robert and Andrew Kalie and the families of (deceased) Siblings Joseph and Alex Kalie, Eleanor Chopper, Mary Chappato and the many cousins, nephews, nieces, grand nieces, and nephews as well as the distant families of his mother and father.

John was born on April 23, 1929, on a farm in Shickshinny, PA. where he grew up tending the fields, raising livestock, and huckstering the produce of the farm. He attended a one room school and at age 15 started working in the coal mines and at a local nursery before being called to serve his Country during the Korean war, where he served at the Central Command. Returning home, he lived with his Uncle Ted and Viola Miazga in College Park and attended the University of Maryland, joining the Alpha Zeta and Alpha Gamma Roe fraternities and obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Agriculture. Moving on to take up the teaching profession, he did student teaching in College Park, Maryland where he met Jennie Lee Cross, the love of his life. He would often stop by on his Good Humor route to make special deliveries. John and Jennie Lee tied the knot in 1958 at her Southern home in Suffolk, Virginia and moved to Laurel, Maryland, buying a home in West Laurel to raise a family. John and Jennie Lee took employment with the Prince George’s County Board of Education where he worked at the Laurel Junior High School when it opened, spending his career as a wood shop teacher until the school closed, moving him to Laurel Senior High and then Bladensburg High School. In 1974 John received a Master of Education degree from Bowie State College.

During the early years he worked as a manager at the Food Fair in Laurel and participated with the Laurel Trap and Skeet Club. He took great passion in farming, sometimes up to 4 acres, in the suburban neighborhood, often being scolded by Jennie Lee for giving away the best vegetables to neighbors and friends. John and Jennie Lee’s son Edmund had to be on his best behavior, as they were often aware of community activities, good and bad, due to their many respected acquaintances, friends, and informants. Through this connection many people on the street recognized John’s teaching career for putting their life on the right path. After retiring from the Prince George’s County Board of Education he worked with Jennie Lee on many volunteer projects including the Laurel-Beltsville Senior Community Center, the Laurel Museum/Historical Society, Liberty Grove UMC Adult Fellowship/Sunday School Teacher and the Greater Laurel Hospital Auxiliary, receiving many service awards. During retirement they enjoyed shopping and had a routine to visit every grocery and club store making heartfelt friends along the way. John and Jennie Lee documented many Laurel events through his video camera and shared them with the Laurel Cable Network. We should all hope to strive to John’s strengths, altruistic spirit, observational abilities, service to others and kindness. He will be missed.

Kenneth L. Ledbetter, 73

Kenneth “Kenny,” “Ken” Ledbetter, 73, passed away peacefully on 12/15/2023, held by his adoring children Crystal, Scott, and Jocelyn.

Kenny was born to Monroe and Maggie Ledbetter on April 11, 1950, in Washington, DC. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years, Rebecca Ledbetter; sister Rosemary, and brother Alphonso. Kenneth attended Glenville State College in West Virginia to play basketball and it was there that he met his wife Becky. The two married in 1972, and after graduating, Ken began a career as a physical education teacher at Laurel Junior High School, and then Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School. They raised their family in Glen Burnie.

Ken was an amazing Father. He was always involved in various activities with his kids and he taught them respect, values, and responsibility. Every summer while he was on break from teaching, he spent every day keeping them busy or entertaining them and their friends. Kenny dedicated his time to coaching the kids’ basketball and softball teams. His easy going temperament and sense of humor made him a favorite among the children.

Kenny was an avid sports enthusiast who enjoyed watching games and rooting for his favorite teams. He was a huge fan of the Washington Redskins (now known as the Commanders) and the Baltimore Orioles. Ken loved to travel and go bike riding alongside his wife, Becky. He was also a dog lover who enjoyed puzzles, music, car rides, and shopping. Ken had a wonderful sense of style and couldn’t resist a good deal.

After retiring, Ken and Becky moved to Smyrna, Delaware into a retirement community where they made many friends and were close to Dover Downs Casino where they enjoyed gambling and meeting new people. After his wife passed away in 2022, Ken moved back to Maryland and into an assisted living home. While living at Morningside House of Friendship, he enjoyed teasing the staff and talking about sports. He made friends and proudly talked about his grandchildren. He enjoyed visits from his best friend Tommy, who would go with him to movies, the casino, and the mall, and even got him out to see an Orioles game.

Kenny was friendly and easy to talk to. He was an excellent teacher, colleague, teammate, and friend who always made people laugh with his wonderful stories. Kenneth lived a full and intentional life, and he played various roles in the lives of many individuals. However, there was one role that he cherished the most, and that was being a loyal husband to his beloved angel, Becky. He was immensely proud of being married to her and his love for her knew no bounds. Kenny is survived by his son, Scott Ledbetter, and his daughters, Crystal Smith and Jocelyn Ledbetter; as well as brothers Monroe and Ralph, and sister Cathy, along with son-in-law, Patrick Smith, and daughter-in-law, Stephanie Ledbetter. Grandchildren, Nathan, Brooke, Camrynn, Julian, and Mason, as well as extended family, and many lifelong friends.

Angela Punsalan, 104

On December 7, 2023, surrounded by her family, Angela T. Punsalan passed away in her home in Laurel at the age 104. So loved by her family, she is survived by her six daughters, three sons, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Angela was born in Washington, DC at Georgetown Hospital. An independent woman of stature and grace.

She lived to the fullest and always said, “Treat others the way you want to be treated. Be honest, forgiving. Love one another.”

Laudis Allen Turney, 100

Laudis Allen Turney, age 100 of Laurel, Md passed away on October 26, 2023 at his residence.

Laudis was born on August 7,1923 to J. Harley and Julia Turney in Savage, MD. Laudis served proudly in the United States Navy and after his time in the service he went to work for the federal goverment as a mechanist where he worked for the Department of Interior for over 30 years.

Laudis married the love of his life Sara Harris and they resided in Laurel, where they raised their family. He served in the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department as a firefighter and was the oldest member —active for over 75 years.

Laudis is survived by his son Richard Turney; two grandchildren: Katie Larkins and her husband Kevin, Jay Turney and his wife Staci. Laudis also has two great-grandchildren: Preston Larkins and Brandon Turney. He is predeceased by his wife Sara of 74 years of marriage, along with his two sons, Laudis and Stephen Turney.