Yvonne Marie Ledbetter

Yvonne Marie Ledbetter, née Decre, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2024, in Weatherford, Texas. She was born on October 24, 1928, in Kalfort-Puurs, Belgium. Yvonne was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles "Dickie" Edward Ledbetter, and their eldest daughter, Margaret Ann Ledbetter Mader.

Yvonne is survived by her devoted children, Sharon Sue Jordan and her husband, Gary of Weatherford, and son, Larry Edward Ledbetter and his wife, Sharon Kay of Kennedale. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her grandchildren: Larry Mader, Jr. (Teresa), Jason Ledbetter (Siobhan), Jeremy Ledbetter, Jayme Toolsie (Kevin), and Courtney Rogers (Kyle). Yvonne's numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family also mourn her passing.

Growing up in rural Belgium as the daughter of an asparagus farmer, Yvonne's life took a turn during World War II when she met Charles, a US Army technical sergeant stationed in Europe. Their love story blossomed, leading to their marriage in December 1946. Yvonne then immigrated to the United States to begin a new chapter in her life.

Residing in Poolville, Texas for many years, Yvonne and Charles raised their family of three before moving to Fort Worth, where she continued to make their house a home. She was a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church in Weatherford followed by Holy Family Catholic Church in Fort Worth. Yvonne will be remembered for her beautiful rock and mint gardens, love of singing, her unique juggling skills, occasional heavy Flemish accent, Christmas sugar cookies, and Thanksgiving dressing, which always sparked a friendly family dispute over the scarce leftovers.

Her seemingly boundless energy for her grandchildren was evident as she could often be found in the backyard making mud pies, tossing a wiffle ball, or on rainy days, engaging in card games. Yvonne's warm spirit and love for family created cherished memories that will be passed down through generations. She often said “our family is our life.”

In honor of Yvonne's sweet tooth and culinary talents, her famous Granny Ledbetter's Sugar Cookies recipe is shared below:

Granny Ledbetter’s Sugar Cookies

½ c Butter, unsalted and softened (Granny uses Margarine)

½ c Powdered Sugar

½ c Sugar (Plus extra for topping)

1 Egg

⅓ c Oil (Canola or Vegetable)

2 c plus 1 Tbsp. Flour

½ tsp Baking Soda

½ tsp Cream of Tartar

½ tsp Vanilla

In a mixer bowl, cream butter and sugar together. While beating, add egg and drizzle in oil. Continue to beat, scraping bowl occasionally, until light and fluffy.

In the second bowl, sift together flour, soda and cream of tartar. Add flour mixture in small batches to mixture in mixer. Stir in vanilla and mix to combine. Remove bowl from mixture and chill in fridge several hours until very firm.

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Shape chilled dough into walnut-sized balls and place 2 inches apart on a nonstick or greased cookie sheet. Place about ½ cup of sugar (holiday colored, as desired) in a small, flat saucer. Butter the bottom of a flat-bottomed drinking glass. Dip buttered glass in sugar and use to flatten a dough ball. Repeat for all dough balls.

Bake for 10 minutes, until done. Cookies should be a light golden yellow color when done.

Yvonne’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her family, and her kindness, warmth, and delicious recipes will be cherished and remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., in the St. Stephen Catholic Chapel, 211 S. Main St, Weatherford, Texas.

In place of flowers, donations can be made to St. Stephen Catholic Church of Weatherford or the Poolville Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 302 Poolville, Texas 76487, designated for the rebuilding of the Poolville tabernacle.