LEDBETTER, A. Elaine

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, AZ Wednesday, March 16, 2011 A. Elaine Ledbetter passed away on March 11, 2011. She was born in Miami, Ariz. and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Arizona State University and her Master’s degree from Northern Arizona University. Most of her career was spent teaching in the Miami school district. She taught auditorium and social studies at Bullion Plaza from the early 1950’s until 1969. Her passion for the performing arts led her to create a student group of entertainers called the Mumblers. Under her direction, they won several talent competitions and appeared on TV’s Ted Mac Amateur Hour (the 1960’s precursor to American Idol). In 1969, Elaine moved to Miami High School where she taught English and American Government. She eventually became head of the Social Studies department. Elaine, also known as Mrs. L to her students, was a devoted educator, mentor and role model, inspiring her students to reach beyond their goals. She was creative in her approach to teaching and expected a high degree of achievement from her students. As sponsor of the high school Thespian club, Elaine continued to share her enthusiasm for the theater by producing and directing numerous successful plays. Elaine had a wonderful sense of fashion. She loved socializing, enjoyed going to plays with friends and until a few years ago playing tennis. She is preceded in death by her husband, Odie; parents, Mike and Annie Rais; sisters, Jeannette Crow and Mae Hogan; and brother, Mike Rais. She is survived by her children, Tamara Seymour, Deborah (Chuck) Harrison; and Cherie (Loren) Hallin; brother, Joe Rais; four grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Miami School District at P.O. Box 2070, Miami, AZ 85539. Visitation will be held Friday, March 18, 2011 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lamont Mortuary Chapel. Memorial services will be held Saturday, March 19, 2011 at noon at Pinal Mountain Elks Lodge #2809 in Globe, Ariz. Assisting the family; Lamont Mortuary of Globe.