Alberta Ledbetter

Alberta Lee (Miller) Ledbetter peacefully passed away on January 3, 2013 at Green County Medical Center in Jefferson, IA, she was 81. Born June 12, 1931 in Joplin, Missouri to Homer and Edythe Miller, Alberta spent her early years in Joplin, graduating from Joplin High School. After graduation she attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri and later graduated from Baker University, in Baldwin City, Kansas with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. While attending Baker University, she was a member of Phi Mu sorority. Alberta returned to Joplin and began her career as a teacher on September 1, 1967 with the Joplin RVIII School System. While teaching full time, she attended Pittsburg State University, in Pittsburg, Kansas and earned a Master's Degree in Elementary Education, specializing in academics for children with learning disabilities. She helped pioneer the program in the Joplin school system and devoted her service in this area until her retirement on June 3, 1992. Alberta was also an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a professional honorary Society of women educators promoting professional and personal growth of its members and excellence in education. Alberta loved her family, grandchildren, friends, students past and present, playing cards, country music, driving her car - constantly being on the go, and especially going to church. She had an unending desire to share her time and talents while taking every opportunity to bear witness of her best friend.."Jesus Christ". Her church assignments often found her in the nursery, sharing cookies and juice while lovingly singing "Jesus Loves Me" to little ones in her arms. She is survived by her two sons; Frank O. Ledbetter III of West Des Moines, Iowa and Rod A. Ledbetter, of Des Moines, Iowa; 7 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. Alberta was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Frank O. Ledbetter Jr. A graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday January 12, 2013 at 11:00am - Ozark Memorial Cemetery in Joplin, under the direction of Dr. Tim Sumners - Eastview Baptist Church. www.hastingsfh.com