Carolyn Ledbetter

(From Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Carolyn Yvonne Ledbetter, 85, of Sarcoxie, Missouri, passed away on August 27, 2026, from natural causes, leaving behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and steadfast devotion to the people she loved.

Carolyn was born on April 3, 1941, in rural Sarcoxie, the daughter of late Kenneth and Velma Barnes Jacobs. She grew up with the values of hard work, humility, and faith that would guide her throughout her life. Carolyn graduated from Sarcoxie High School in 1959, and she carried the lessons of her upbringing with grace and determination into every season of her journey.

On June 18, 1976, she married William D. Ledbetter, and together they shared many wonderful memories until his passing on October 22, 1996. Their marriage was built on love, companionship, and the blessing of a life shared in both ordinary days and special moments. Carolyn treasured her family above all else, and her heart was always full when she was surrounded by those she loved. She was the kind of woman who made others feel welcome, valued, and cared for, and she lived out those qualities with a gentle and faithful spirit.

Carolyn devoted over thirty years of service as a bookkeeper for Carthage Marble and Sarcoxie Nurseries before her retirement. She was known for her reliability, diligence, and strong work ethic, and she approached her responsibilities with quiet excellence. Beyond her work, Carolyn was deeply committed to her church and her community. She was a faithful member of Sarcoxie New Beginnings Church of the Nazarene. She taught Sunday School for many years and shared her love of the Lord with others. She also served as a board member of the Sarcoxie Cemetery Association for several years, demonstrating her care for her community and her respect for those who came before her.

Carolyn found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed crocheting, solving sudoku puzzles, watching Fox News, and monthly chicken dinners at Sarcoxie Senior Center. She also adored her little dog, Lucy, who brought her comfort and companionship. These interests reflected the warmth of her personality and the peaceful rhythms of a life well lived.

She is survived by her children, Vicki Lynn Welde of Webb City and Jana Leigh Fuerst of Joplin; her grandchildren, Levi Welde, Leif Welde and their father, Mike Welde, Jordan Nichols and husband Steven, and Alexandra Fuerst; her great-grandchildren, Myles Welde, Addison Nichols, Karlie Nichols, and Jace Nichols. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, as well as a host of other family members and friends who will forever remember her loving and friendly nature.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her daughter, Cari Joann Hall, and her siblings, Deirdre Lowe and Larry Jacobs. 

Her memory will be cherished with deep gratitude, and her family and friends will continue to hold her close in their hearts. Carolyn’s life was a beautiful example of perseverance, compassion, and Christian faith, and she will be remembered as a loving and friendly woman whose presence brought comfort and joy to many.

Funeral services are 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie with Pastor Eder Aguirre officiating. Burial will follow at Sarcoxie Cemetery. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers will be Levi Welde, Steven Nichols, Mike Welde, Leif Welde, Jace Nichols and Myles Welde. Visitation will be on Tuesday evening at the funeral home from 5-7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Carthage Humane Society c/o funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.housh-goodwinfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home, Sarcoxie, Missouri.