Mary Ruth Ledbetter

Mary Ruth, 95, was set free from the physical world on June 26,2020. She was born to Alva and Ruth Wade in Missouri in December 1924. They moved to Sunnyslope AZ around 1935 after Mary Ruth contracted tuberculosis which she fully recovered from 2 years later. She attended Emerson School and North High School in Phoenix then matriculated at University of Arizona in Tucson. In June of 1945 during WWII she joined the Navy with one of her best friends and was training in New York and happened to be in NYC on D-day. The rest of her service was spent in San Francisco as a chauffeur and she received an honorable discharge in August of 1946.

She was preceded in death by her parents and children; Joan (Robertson) Agundez and Richard Robertson. Mary Ruth is survived by her daughter Lori Stewart (Leon) and 2 grandchildren; Banner Agundez (Cara & kids; Shylo, Dartangen, Chance, Aeon and Hudson) and Valentino Agundez (kids; Evan, Ocean and Luna). She was also married to Harold “Robbie” Robertson (divorced) and Henry Nelson Ledbetter (divorced).

Mary Ruth was a thespian, educator, toastmaster and strong willed with strong opinions she would share with anyone who knew her. After getting a BA at ASU and MA at NAU she taught high school at Good Shepard School for Girls, 7th grade at Grandview Elementary School and Carl Hayden High School in Phoenix. She also taught at High Schools in Illinois, Maine, Iowa, Mississippi and California where she lived throughout her teaching career. She loved her students unconditionally and they loved her. Teaching them her favorite subjects -Speech and Drama- was her passion in life. Her final 33 years she lived in Cottonwood AZ where she taught part-time at Yavapai Community College and tutored local students before retiring as an Educator due to health concerns. She always said her preference was to pass away as she taught a class at the lectern.

Her family would like to thank the Caregivers and Doctors who assisted in her care over the years. A Celebration of Life for her will be planned at a later date. No flowers or contributions necessary, just remember her and be glad she has slipped the surly bonds of earth because that is what she wanted.