Loretta May Ledgerwood

Loretta May Ledgerwood, age 80, passed from this life in the early hours of July 2. The youngest daughter of Harold Fredrick Ledgerwood and Ruth Vivian (Falkingham), Loretta was born on May 20, 1938, in Bristow, Okla.

When she was just an infant, Loretta contracted the polio virus. With the care of her family and her own inner-strength, Loretta survived and overcame the lifelong challenges brought about by the virus. In 1957, Loretta graduated from Central Senior High School in Springfield, Mo.

Loretta was a loving and caring person who served those around her. She was a faithful companion to her mother for many years. One of her greatest joys was the time she spent caring for children entrusted to her care. She loved them like her own and felt great pride in later years hearing the adventures and accomplishments of her kids.

In her childhood, Loretta accepted Christ. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Nevada, and she enjoyed attending services held by the Ministerial Alliance while she lived at the Appleton City Manor.

Loretta is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Harold Fredrick Ledgerwood Jr. and Marvin Howard Ledgerwood; and her sister, Bonnie Ruth Longstreth. She is survived by her sister, Nadine Hergesheimer, of Appleton City, Mo.; and her brother, Gilbert Ledgerwood, of Liberty, Texas. Loretta has generations of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 5, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastor Larry Sorrells officiating. Interment will follow in Ash Grove Cemetery in Ash Grove, Mo. Friends may call now and until the hour of service at Ferry Funeral Home.

Memorials are suggested to Rockville United Methodist Church in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

You may view obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.