Paula Ann Ledbetter's Obituary
Paula Ann Ledbetter, age 69, of Columbia, IL, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025 at her home surrounded by family and friends. She was born March 10, 1956, in Paducah, KY., to the late Joseph (Papa Joe) D. Callis, Sr. and Barbara J. (nee Wright) Callis.
Paula loved spending time with her family, especially watching her boys and the grandkids ballgames (there was no louder cheerleader) no matter what sport they were in at the time. She also enjoyed her time at the farm with her late husband Mike and friends, along with watching her beloved St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Bears, her jeep rides, traveling, antiquing, gardening, taking care of her flowers and delivering meals for seniors when she was in Astoria, Illinois.
Surviving are her sons, Daniel Wayne (Sila) Barks and David Isaac (Kristin) Barks of Columbia, IL, stepdaughter, Michelle (Ben) Hippard, grandchildren, Makenzie Hippard, Nathan Hippard, Isaac Barks, Remington Barks, Harley Barks and soon to be granddaughter, Daniela Ann Barks brothers, Joseph Daniel (Karin) Callis Jr. and Dennis Wayne ( Karen) Callis, brother-in-law, Mark (Carla) Griffith, sisters-in-law, Lynn (Greg) Bigogno and Karen Ledbetter, along with other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Ledbetter.
Paula truly loved life, she never met a stranger and had a heart bigger than her body.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Leesman Funeral Home, Columbia, IL. Funeral Services will be held following the visitation at 7:00 pm at the funeral home.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to: Shriner's Hospital for Children, 4400 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.
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