Dorothy Ledbetter

Dorothy Ledbetter passed from this life to join her husband, Rev. Bill Ledbetter, in celestial celebration on September 27th. Born in Overton County, Tennessee, to Gerstle and Ora Smith, she was the fifth in a family of ten children. At the young age of fifteen, she married Bill, a strapping young man who was also from a large southern family. Together, they found their way, eventually moving to Anderson, Indiana in 1955. It was there they raised six children and served in the ministry for over fifty years. While Dorothy never formally “worked” outside the home, her life’s work carried far more value than any certification or earned degree. She was a Pastor’s Wife. Although often overlooked, the Pastor’s Wife carries a special designation. It deserves a level of appreciation and honor that is seldom expressed. Dorothy’s six children served as “first-hand” witnesses to her life’s work, hence share their appreciation. For consistently supporting your husband (our father and pastor) spiritually, emotionally, and physically...thank you. Your love was his greatest earthly treasure. For filling in the ‘gaps’ at church, for noticing the little things…thank you. It made a difference. For smiling when your own heart was breaking…thank you. That took grace. For all of your sacrifices, both visible and invisible…thank you. God saw them all. For being authentic …thank you. People could relate to your sincerity and were drawn to you as a result. For modeling Godly living and for mentoring those who were young in the Lord…thank you. The next generation was changed because of this. For navigating an often hectic and unpredictable schedule with graceful flexibility…thank you. You made it look easy. For burying your own grief, for setting your own burdens aside, in order to reach out and minister to others in their times of sorrow...thank you. People will never forget that you were there for them. For nurturing your relationship with Christ above any other relationship…thank you. It was an example to your children and to their children. For leading through an example of servanthood, for serving with confidence and joy…thank you. You compelled others to serve God with you. For embracing the privilege and high calling of the ministry; for saying “yes” to life with a pastor…thank you. You were our father’s anchor and life-long helpmeet. While faithfully serving with her husband, Dorothy delighted in their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She took great pleasure in watching them grow and succeed in their own unique ways. If given a chance, she would tell you all about each and every one of them. Whether known as “Grandma Ledbetter,” “Grandma Lovebetter,” “Grandma Great,” “Grandma Dot,” or good “Old Grandma,” Dorothy was truly the matriarch of the Ledbetter family, setting the bar high for all future grandmothers. She was unquestionably loved and deeply revered by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren alike. She made each feel that he or she was the most special to her when in her presence. She remained focused on their every word. It was truly her gift. Dorothy has joined her lifelong love, as well as their eldest son Rick, and grandson Benjamin James (B.J.) in everlasting celebration. She was also preceded in death by two brothers and six sisters. Her heart grieves for them no more. Those left here to heed to her example and to cherish her memory include daughter Linda and husband John Crisp (Greenfield, IN); daughter-in-law Cindi Ledbetter (Kearney, NE); son Ron and wife Sherrie Ledbetter (Noblesville, IN); daughter Karen and husband Mark Bilbrey (Parrish, FL); daughter Becky and husband John Bartle (Indianapolis, IN); son Rex and wife Lynn Ledbetter (Indianapolis, IN); 17 grandchildren (Eric, Josh, Chad, Casey, Corey, Dustin, David, Ryan, Elizabeth, Whitni, Paige, Jared, Jordan, Maggie, Gracie, Sophie, and Hank ); and 35 great grandchildren (Elijah, Micah, Isaiah, Olivia, Garrett, Gideon, Esther, Nora, Paislee, Addison, Harper, Norah, Artemis, Lilyanne, Peyton (P.J.), Eden, Joseph, Audrey, Warren, Teddy, Margot, Rose, Julianne, Jaycee, Josiah, Gabrielle, Sebastian, Kyndall, Stella, Karter, Paetyn, Makena, Khloe, Jaxton, and Hanalei)…..and yes, she would have wanted each of them to be named. Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 7th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Robert D. Loose Funeral Home, Anderson, Indiana. A special celebration of life, love, family, and friends will then begin at 4 p.m. with family members of all ages sharing in memories and rejoicing for the blessed re-uniting of “Grandpa and Grandma Ledbetter.” If unable to join us, the celebration will be available via live stream on the Loose Funeral Home YouTube Channel, https://youtube.com/live/u-Gu0Rr81Ss?feature=share . A final memorial will be held on Monday, October 9th with visitation from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and service following at Hall Funeral Home, Livingston, Tennessee, with final resting at Falling Springs Cemetery, Livingston, Tennessee, alongside her beloved.

Dorothy Ledbetter

July 7, 1935 - September 27, 2023