Born to WJ and LaNell, Leslie grew up with her brothers, Randy and Jay Bartley. From an early age, she was captivated by books, devouring them at an accelerating pace. Her thirst for knowledge went beyond literature. In her teens, she started working as a photographer for the local paper, immersing herself in the craft. With her parents' support, she converted their garage storage room into a photo-developing lab, demonstrating her drive and creativity.
Leslie also excelled in athletics despite her small stature. On the basketball court, she was quick and fierce, earning recognition as an all-state guard. Golf became another lifelong passion, and she continued to play throughout her life, even achieving several holes-in-one. These pursuits reflected her resilience, competitiveness, and joy in challenges.
As a college student, Leslie's hunger for knowledge accelerated rapidly. She took the maximum course load allowed and graduated a year early with a bachelor's degree in petroleum geology and a minor in English. Her intelligence and work ethic caught Yates Petroleum's attention, and she moved to New Mexico to begin her career as an exploration geologist with them, seeking out and discovering many wildcat oil and gas fields beneath the vast skies of the Southwest.
Entering the oil industry in the early 1980s, Leslie stood out not only for her expertise but also for her courage. At a time when few women were in this field of study, she carved out a space for herself through determination, intelligence, and resilience. Her success was a testament to her pioneering spirit and her ability to thrive in environments where few women had ventured before.
It was during these years that Leslie's family began to grow. Shortly after arriving in New Mexico, she welcomed her first son, Andrew, followed by her second son, Bradley, two years later. Balancing the demands of an exploration geologist and motherhood, she dedicated her energy to both her career and her children. Her boys were the joy of her life, and she instilled in them the same curiosity and determination that characterized her own journey. Over time, her family grew again when Andrew welcomed a son, AJ, bringing Leslie deep joy in becoming a grandmother.
In her 40s, Leslie made a selfless choice to step away from her career to care for her brother Randy for many years until his passing. This dedication showed her deep loyalty and strong love for her family. She also faced the loss of her father, WJ, carrying forward his memory with grace and resilience.
Her love of learning never faded. In her 40s, she went back to school, turning her English minor into a full bachelor's degree and earning additional degrees in literature and history. This impressive achievement showed her lifelong dedication to knowledge and her belief that education is a never ending journey.
Creativity was woven into Leslie's life as deeply as her intellect and perseverance. As her brother Jay Bartley reflected, any artistic endeavor she attempted painting, writing, photography she excelled at. These pursuits revealed her ability to see the world with imagination and beauty.
She leaves behind a legacy of curiosity, kindness, and devotion. Her life story is one of brilliance, sacrifice, and love for learning, achievement, and most of all, her family. Leslie is survived by her sons, Andrew and Bradley; grandson, AJ; mother, LaNell; and brother, Jay Bartley, along with loved ones who will forever cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her father, WJ, and brother, Randy.
There will be a private family burial in Union Ridge Cemetery. You can sign Leslie's guestbook here on her page.
Memorials are preferred to the Dr. William J. McKiever and Dr. William Randall McKiever Pre-Pharmacy or Pre-Medicine Scholarship which is awarded to a junior or senior pre-pharmacy or pre-medicine student that is recommended by the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences. Anyone interested in contributing to the McKiever Scholarship may do so by contacting the Office of Advancement at 870-460-1028. The condolence address for Bradley and Andrew Bentz is 434 W. Jefferson St. Monticello, AR 71655.
Condolences(24)
Kyle and Rena Day
Monticello, AR Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Our condolences to the McKiever Family. Leslie was truly one of a kind. A good friend and one of my first students when I arrived at UAM. She is missed.Barbara Wood
Fordyce, AR Sunday, December 21, 2025 I was Leslie’s 9th grade English teacher! She was a joy to have in class! Even at that young age, her desire for learning was evident! She was a great student with a winning smile, was full of life and energy, always respectful, and is gone too soon! My thoughts and prayers are with her mom LaNell and with her children. LaNell, thinking of you and can’t imagine the pain and sadness of losing two of your precious children. You and Jay Bartley are in my thoughts as i learned just yesterday of Leslie’s death! Much love to you at this Christmas season!Cindy M Livingston
White Hall, AR Saturday, December 20, 2025 Lanelle, I was very sorry to learn of Leslie's death. My prayers are with you and your family.In Peace,
Cindy Livingston
Larry Livingston
WHITE HALL, AR Saturday, December 20, 2025 We are so sorry for your loss. I know she will always be remembered in your memories. May time bring you peace and comfort.Sissy Sullivan
Warren, AR Friday, December 19, 2025 Sending my condolences, prayers 🙏 & love ❤️ to Ms. Leslie's two sons Andrew & Bradley. It's hard when you loose your Mom because you're going to continue to look for her everyday, but she will always be with you even though you can't see her. Ms. Leslie will continue to watch over her Grandson AJ grow up, Ms. LaNell, the Mother of a well educated Daughter you will forever feel her beside you but I know your heart shall ache until you see her again! To Jay Bartley, Ms. Leslie's Brother I know your heart is breaking too but totally in another way, because you loved her in a different way. I hold ALL of you in my heart along with the extended family and friends. May God stand by each & everyone of you & lift the weight from your shoulders & the pain from your hearts, may God bring you comfort & peace in the days to come 🕊️All My Love ❤️
Sissy Frost Sullivan
Judy Daw
Orange beach, AL Thursday, December 18, 2025 I’m so sorry for your loss! Leslie was so fun to be around loved talking to her! She will be deeply missed!Bob and Lisha Foreman Davis
Hamburg, AR Wednesday, December 17, 2025 Leslie was so gifted and talented with so much grit and determination. When she committed to do something she gave it her all and always excelled above expectations. As fellow classmates, we saw this in her day after day for 12 years. She was an extraordinary person. She also approached friendships and family with the same dedication, always with love and support. We always knew that when she gave us that twinkle in her eye and that sly little smile to get out of her way! Our class has lost a very special person. To the family, we hope you find comfort and love from all the people that loved Leslie and most importantly from the Lord above. We love you Leslie and we know that you spirit lives on in your children Andrew and Bradley. You will be missed by your classmates of 1978. Mrs. LaNell and family, our thoughts and prayers will be with you all.Cindy and Brian Wallick
Little Rock, AR Wednesday, December 17, 2025 So sorry for your loss.Sending your entire family our thoughts & prayers. Much love to all of you.
Cindy Williams Hicks
Wilmar, AR Tuesday, December 16, 2025 Leslie came to our little store in Green Hill while working for the Advance in a little t-top convertible. Bless her heart, she was greeted by my Great Dane standing over her t-tops slobbering. I called him back and Leslie was a good sport about it, but I won’t forget it. Leslie was a fine lady. She will be missed.Contessa Boone
Monticello, AR Tuesday, December 16, 2025 Mrs LaNell I’m so very sorry for your loss. I know you and Leslie had a very special bond and loved each other very much. I pray God will comfort you and your family and you find peace knowing you will meet again. Again I’m so very sorry. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayersGloria Rawls Schwab
Rogers, AR Monday, December 15, 2025 Lanell and family , I was so sorry to hear this news . Our childhood was filled with many nights of softball with each other and against each other . However, we remained buddies through it all . Leslie’s was like a little spark plug , feisty and full of energy . I know she will be missed by everyone that knew and loved her . My deepest condolences to you all .Sharon Shook McIntyre
Monticello, AR Monday, December 15, 2025 Family of Leslie,I am sorry to hear of your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Sharon
Steve Karnes
Monticello, AR Monday, December 15, 2025 My heart and prayers to all the family. I remember Leslie as a woman ahead of her time, a talented artist, writer, photographer and “greatness” at anything she wanted to do. She was truly a blessing to all her classmates. 🙏Andrew Briant
. Monticello, AR Monday, December 15, 2025 Ms LaNell, Andrew, Bradley and Jay: So sorry to learn of your loss of Leslie. Prayers for your peace and comfort at this sad and difficult time.Sharon Shook McIntyre
Monticello, AR Monday, December 15, 2025 Family of Leslie,I am so
Valerie Chapman Carter
Magnolia, AR Sunday, December 14, 2025 Dear sweet family,I am so sorry to hear about Leslie. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
God bless you with peace and comfort.💞
Valerie Chapman Carter
Rusty McCaughan
Crossett, AR Sunday, December 14, 2025 I remember her and Jay would come with my sister Connie to McCaughan reunion, we had the best time!I am really sorry for the loss of this courageous lady!
Dale Bates
Monticello, AR Sunday, December 14, 2025 LaNell, I am so sorry to learn of Leslie's passing. We visited a lot when I would deliver flowers to Randy once a month for many years. She would always have to show me her flowers she was growing or a new craft project she had completed. My prayers are with you and your family.♥️🙏🌹Kendra Nolen
Wilmar, AR Sunday, December 14, 2025 Leslie I was your caregiver….. but I gained a sister. We had some great talks and I enjoyed them. You fought a fight and kept your faith. Take your rest my sister. See you later and I love you.Kendra Ridgell Nolen
Laura Robbins
Weatherford, TX Sunday, December 14, 2025 LaNell sorry for your loss .David Langley
Baton Rouge, LA Sunday, December 14, 2025 Bless her heart and my condolences to the family. Leslie was a good friend and classmate.Marianne Zeno
Maumelle, AR Sunday, December 14, 2025 Dear LaNeil & JB, The last few days, I have rewound all the great times in my mind that I shared with Leslie. What a group we were! How blessed we were to grow up and have the childhood we had. Memories that can’t be erased with time. She will always be in my heart and every fond memory. I will never forget how hard she fought. I hope and pray you both are at peace knowing her battle is over and now she is in the arms of Christ. I know that Randy and WJ were waiting at the gate to let her in. I love you both and please know I am with you in spirit during this very difficult time. ❤️🙏🏻STEVE DAVIS
Little Rock, AR Friday, December 12, 2025 Growing up in Monticello was the best life ever. Living on Jefferson Street, across from the Mckievers, and all the neighborhood kids around where all the moms knew where each child was, was a blessing. My memories of Leslie are bright. Ms Lanelle has done such a job caring for her kids over the years. Leslie has left many wonderful memories and will be missed.Zachary N. Cooper
Crossett, AR Friday, December 12, 2025 My condolences to your family during this difficult time.