Pauline Wilma Ledford

Pauline Wilma Ward Ledford was born September 15, 1924 in Cogar, Oklahoma to Robert Ward and Irene May Ward. She passed peacefully into the open arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 19, 2012. She married her lifetime love James B. Ledford “JB” on December 11, 1941 in Tempe, AZ. Shortly afterwards, then JB joined the Marines and shipped out to fight in the Pacific Islands and Pauline worked in the cockpits of the planes by installing electrical circuits and gauges waiting for his return.

After the war, Pauline and JB settled in Phoenix, Az where they worked hard, bought a home and created their family. All of their children were born in Phoenix, Dennis, Jerry and Janice. Pauline moved to Walla Walla in 1961 when JB was hired by Cascade Natural Gas, then a new company.

Pauline was a woman whose passion in life was being a wife, mother and homemaker. Her deep love, intense pride and belief in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren is a gift from her they will carry with them all their lives.

Pauline was a complicated woman. A woman of great strength, independence, quick wit and humor, intelligence, common sense and confidence. The word 'classy' is most often used when trying to sum her up. Webster describes classy as 'stylish and elegant.' He must have known her because she was that and more during her life and at as it ended. The way she lived her life taught her family of the need to take care of themselves, to work hard, to be there for each other, to be honest and to be trustworthy. She certainly wasn't afraid to work, to do whatever was needed for any situation life brought her way.

After never being sick a day in his life, her husband, JB, suffered a major stroke. She took him home worked with him for a year, taking care of his every need, helping him regain some strength before a second major stroke made it impossible for her to care for him at home. One of the hardest decisions she made was placing him in a nursing home. Every day, twice a day unless she was on a quick trip to take a break she was at his side for 11 years before his death on September 14, 1992. Because of this a promise was made to her by Dennis - she would never go to a nursing home. That promise was kept when she made the decision that she would not just exist. If she could no longer live independently and most importantly without the hours of dialysis required each week to "live" she was ready to go home. Pauline went to live with Dennis & Donna where her children and grandchildren and hospice all took care of her, loved her, talked with her, “Momma sat” her, learned from her, shared with her, brought her surprises, enjoyed her and made memories.

She always took pride in looking good, she presented herself ready for the day whether she was going somewhere or staying home. Even as her body would no longer allow her to leave her bed she treasured the time spent with her new friend, Mickie, her hospice care giver. Mickie would lovingly bathe her, wash her hair and curl it, give her manicures and pedicures. Janice made sure she had lipstick, powder, hair spray, hair decorations, you know, just a little something to look forward to. Her sassiness and independent spirit never left her. Her grace and dignity as she faced the end of her life on this earth will remain a source of inspiration and gift of peace for her family. She was classy to the end, choosing how she would go home, choosing to be gracious to those caring for her, choosing a life lived on her terms.

She is survived by her children, Dennis (Donna) Ledford, Jerry (Sharie) Ledford, Janice Ledford; grandchildren, Jamie (Kim) Ledford, Jason (Shannon) Ledford, Trina (Melvin) Harris, Melanie (Brett) Baker, Sarah Russell, Ronnie (Crystal) Ancell, Josh Ledford and Jerrod Ledford; great grandchildren, Ashley Suckow, Spencer Suckow, Malarey Milner, Jayda Harris, Haley Ledford, Conner Russell, Audrey Ledford, Madison Russell, Joe Ledford and Lexi Ancell and numerous nieces & nephews.

Viewing & visitation will be held on Friday, January 27, 2012 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA. The Graveside Funeral Service will be held on Monday, January 30, 2012 at 1:00 PM at the Calvary Cemetery in Yakima, Washington. Always a supporter of our Veterans, donations can be made in lieu of flowers to The Veterans of Foreign Wars, "V.F.W." through the funeral home.

This a small glimpse of the person, Pauline Wilma Ward Ledford.