Ruby Selma Ledford

Selma went home to The Lord on October 4, 2025, at Trinity Village in Hickory, NC. She was born on June 11, 1931, in Cleveland County, NC to parents, John Motin and Susan Hoyle Fortenberry.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, James Edward Ledford, her parents John and Susan Fortenberry, her sisters: Lillie Buff, Mary Martin, Pearl Hamby, Ruth Blankenship and her infant brother Angus Fortenberry; her daughter Linda Riner, son-in-law Larry Gause, and two grandchildren Amber Slaughter and Charlie Drummond.

She is survived by her children: Mary Hartsoe and husband David, Jonathan Ledford, Selma Jeanne Gause and husband Terry Bridges, Teresa Hensley and husband Dennis. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Christopher Slaughter and wife Michelle, James Ledford and wife Kelli, Scott Brigman, Jeffrey Brigman and wife April, Michelle Gore, Joshua Gause, Gina Horton, and Julie Bogen.

Also surviving her are 20 great- grandchildren: Ethan, Jackson, Sadie, Davis, Kiley, Ian, Liam, Kiera, Elijah, Caleb, Jessica, Charlie, Mackynzie, Brittany, Brandon, Drew and wife Destiny, Toryn, Summer, Israel, Aaron and wife Diamond. In addition, she is survived by 8 great-great-grandchildren: Molly, Kira, Axel, Drew, Kamron, Ivy, Zadie, and Emerson.

Selma was a life-long Christian beginning at age 16 and was a servant of the Lord until her death. She taught Sunday School, vacation bible school, and Christian study courses for women. She was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church.

Her various occupations included hosiery, child-care, and furniture in addition to being a homemaker. She enjoyed writing journals and children’s stories, playing the piano, singing, oil painting, creating flower arrangements, crocheting and working with crafts.

A funeral service will be held at Catawba Memorial Park Chapel at 1:00 o’clock on Wednesday October 8, 2025, with the Pastor Scott Hooks officiating.

Family visitation will be prior to the service from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm. A graveside service at Catawba Memorial Park Cemetery will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation of non-perishable food items or that you donate to a local charity that feeds the poor and homeless.

Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.

The Ledford Family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.