Obituary: Ledbetter, Betty J.
Age 99
She was born May 21, 1935 in El Paso, Texas to Everett and Lucille Wiggins.
Betty graduated from North Central High School in 1953 and married her high school sweetheart, Pastor Thomas R. Ledbetter in 1954.
They had two daughters, Cheryl and Tracy.
Tom was active in the Lutheran Church and with Betty’s encouragement entered seminary in Minnesota.
Together they served the church and numerous congregations including Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran in Baltimore, MD, Emmanuel Lutheran in Yelm, WA, Grace Lutheran in Spokane, WA, Christ Lutheran in Fairbanks, AK, Bethany Lutheran in Spanaway, WA, Faith Lutheran in Soap Lake, and Lutheran Presbyterian Parish in Potlatch, ID.
In addition to serving her church family, Betty was an accomplished artist.
Her landscapes and portraits of Inuit children while she lived in Alaska have become well known.
She has also been a strong advocate for disadvantaged children.
She served the Spokane County court system as a CASA volunteer for the past 20 years, making a huge difference in the lives of dozens of children.
Betty is survived by her sister Sally Fechner of Spokane; two daughters, Cheryl Whalen (Tom) of McPherson, KS and Tracy Allen (Bob) of Spokane Valley; two grandsons, Collin Lazelle and Jeff Allen and two granddaughters Robyn Allen and Beth Whalen.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Charles “Bud” Wiggins.
A memorial service will be held at All Saints Lutheran Church, 314 S. Spruce St, Spokane, WA 99201 on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Betty’s name to All Saints Lutheran Church, Hospice House or Casa.
Thank you to all of the wonderful staff at Hospice House who made her final days dignified and peaceful.