Wanda Ledbetter

WANDA N. LEDBETTER, was born Sept. 28, 1932 near Magnolia, Ark. She is survived by her husband Roy Edward Ledbetter, children Lisa Gerhardt and Sam Ledbetter, grandson Jacob Gerhardt, great-grandsons Jack and Christopher Gerhardt and sister-in-law Barbara Gunnels. She was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Ruby Gunnels and brother James Gunnels. Growing up in the country outside Magnolia, Wanda attended the Harvey C. Couch School in the community of Calhoun, Ark. Upon graduation, she attended Southern State College (now Southern Arkansas University) where she met her lifelong companion Roy whom she married on Jan. 24, 1952. After Roy completed active duty in the Navy, the couple moved to Camden where Roy coached football and Wanda worked for International Paper Company's Woodlands Division. Later, she managed the Ouachita Medical Clinic and the clinic for Drs. Jameson and Fohn. She also owned a clothing store, sold real estate with her friends Roxanne and Dennis Daniel and managed entertainment for the Highland Industrial Park guest house where her husband was employed. She was appointed to serve on the board of electrical examiners by Governor Bill Clinton when it was created in the 1980's. Wanda had a special ability to make friends anywhere she went and was always the brightest light of any gathering. She was devoted to her community and led a host of volunteer efforts including helping to organize the Camden Daffodil Festival, restoring the Missouri Pacific Railroad Depot as well as the Oakland Cemetery and was active in the Ouachita County Historical Society. She and her husband attended the First United Methodist Church in Camden for over 40 years. Wanda was an expert gardener, and no tour of Camden's many beautiful gardens was complete until it visited her yard. She was an exceptional cook who mastered any dish she put her mind to. To raise money for the railroad depot restoration, she helped collect recipes for the "Camden's Back on Track" cookbook and contributed a number of her own recipes. No tribute to her life would be complete without noting that she was a fervent Democrat and energetic campaigner, generous with her time and money. She proudly cast her final ballot for Hillary Clinton. Her "I'm a Yellow Dog Democrat" bumper sticker proved to be a great conversation starter when she moved to Little Rock in 2002. Her devotion to family, friends and community was steadfast. Memorials can be made to a favorite charity. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.