Rovella Ledbetter

Rovella Fullbright Smith Ledbetter February 9, 1922 to September 5, 2011 Following several years of failing health, Rovella closed her eyes on earth and opened them in heaven in the presence of the Lord she loved so dearly. The tears are for us, not her. We do not grieve as those who have no hope. For the believer, it is never "Good-bye forever", but simply and assuredly, "I"™ll see you later". Married at 16 years of age and a mother at 17, Rovella went ahead to complete her high school diploma. She raised three children, while at the same time serving as caregiver and chauffeur for several family members. Rovella did whatever she set her mind to, in her own quiet, gracious way. She helped run a farm, made almost all of the family"™s clothes including winter coats, tended a garden and canned food. She taught ceramics classes and served as Sunday School teacher and superintendent. Later Rovella worked at Penneys and in a Kingfisher floral shop. The latter prepared her to eventually own a flower and record shop in Oklahoma City. When her 3 children were grown, she obtained her realtor"™s license working at various agencies prior to becoming owner/broker of a Remax office in Oklahoma City. Rovella was a lifelong learner before it became a catch phrase. She completed the Dale and Dorothy Carnegie courses and even worked as a graduate assistant for several classes. She also earned her GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) and CRS (Certified Residential Specialist). Rovella was a member of the Christian Business Women"™s Association, the Women"™s Council of Realtors, taught women"™s Bible Studies and continuing education classes for the Real Estate Board in Oklahoma City. When the housing market took a dive in the late 1980"™s in OK, Rovella reluctantly moved to California, leaving her son and daughter and their families behind in OKC. Needless to say, her sister, brother, daughter and their families in San Diego were delighted to have her closer to them. Entering the San Diego real estate scene in 1988, Rovella worked at several local companies. Despite two back surgeries, she enjoyed helping her clients and mentoring younger agents until she retired from Coldwell Banker in 1999, at the age of 77. One of the most challenging times of Rovella"™s life was losing her only son, Kenneth Ray Smith, Jr. to cancer in 1998. Rovella"™s strong faith was always a guiding light in her life and helped her weather that storm. Nothing made Rovella happier than making floral arrangements for friends and family. The entire family loved "Gran"™s beautiful bows" atop birthday and Christmas gifts. She delighted in assisting when possible, in the San Diego Healing Rooms. In 2009 Rovella broke her right hip and leg, necessitating two surgeries, nursing home stays and lengthy rehabs. With the help of dedicated physical therapy, she graduated from a wheelchair to a walker. Despite chronic pain, she seldom complained and maintained a positive attitude and cheerful spirit, with a ready smile. The highlight of her life the last few years was a bi-monthly visit from her sister and brother. That was their time to reminisce, sing hymns and share favorite memories. Rovella is survived by her daughters Sharon Smith Valencia and Sandi Webster, her sister and brother-in-law, Dr. & Mrs. I. E. Markowitz (Sandy), brother and sister-in-law, Dr. & Mrs. Darrel (Drew) Fullbright (Lee), daughter-in-law Donna Smith, 8 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A celebration of her life will be held on September 15th at 2 pm at New Hope Methodist Church in Oklahoma City, followed by a graveside service at Kingfisher Cemetery. The family would like to thank friends and colleagues for their prayers, cards, flowers and support during this difficult time. A special note of appreciation goes to Rovella"™s beloved caregiver and prayer partner, Esther Garcia and her husband Alfredo. Rovella treasured spending time with Esther while Sharon taught school. Esther was a true blessing to both Rovella and Sharon during the last three years. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, in memory of Rovella"™s son, Kenneth Ray Smith, Jr. A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 15, 2001 a New Hope Methodist Church located at 11600 N. Council in Oklahoma City, with burial to occur in the Kingfisher Cemetery. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Rovella Ledbetter please visit our Sympathy Store.