Obituary of Pauline F Ledford

LEDFORD, Pauline F. October 8, 1921 - May 13, 2016 "A Life Well Lived" Pauline F. Ledford (Polly), a prominent Tucson citizen, passed away peacefully in her home in Tucson on May 13, 2016. Polly was born in Tucson, the daughter of Paul Fernald and Edith May (Bodach) Fernald. She was lovingly raised by her Mother and Grandparents in Fort Worth, Texas. While raised in the Episcopal faith, she attended "Our Lady of Victory" Catholic Girls School where she became an accomplished pianist and pipe organist. She returned to Tucson with her Mother, to study music and education at the University of Arizona. She was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. After graduating from the U of A, she was proud to work as a stewardess for American Airlines. She married Richard P. Knight "Dick" in 1945 and lived briefly in Fairbanks, Alaska, where they both "flew" for the fledgling Pacific Northwest Airlines. After leaving Alaska, the Knight family settled in Tucson, Arizona and raised two sons, Richard Lawrence Knight "Ricky" and Leslie Charles Knight (Chuck). During the 1950's and 1960's Polly was very active in the community and became a prominent community leader in Tucson. She worked tirelessly for social causes such as Planned Parenthood, where she met and worked with Margaret Sanger. She was the first President of the Service League of Tucson founded in 1959, with the organization receiving its' charter into the National Assistance League in 1964. Polly was one of Tucson's "Ten Best Dressed Women", five years running and she served as the Chairman of the Silver and Turquoise Ball. Her accomplishments are chronicled in "Who's Who of American Women". She was very active socially, supported the Tucson symphony and the Arts and was well known and respected in her community. In 1973, she married USAF retired Brigadier General Jack C. Ledford, who was working for the aerospace division of Hughes International. The couple lived overseas on two occasions; first in Singapore from 1973 to 1978, and then in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 1981 to 1985. In between their residencies in Asia, the Ledford's resided in Redondo Beach, California. During the period of time overseas, Polly commuted to the United States to manage an extensive portfolio of rental properties in Tucson. The couple traveled the world and they, along with their menagerie of pets, were "citizens of the world". In between their adventures, Polly and Jack always found time to visit their children Jan Thomas, Mike Ledford, Dan Ledford, Ricky Knight and Chuck Knight and their respective families. In 1985, the couple retired in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains. They remained very active in the Tucson Community where they would live comfortably for the rest of their lives, along their West Highland Terriers, Robbie and Mac. They enjoyed the company of their friends, Tucson residents Dan and Cheryl Ledford, Mike and Adrienne Ledford, Ricky Knight with frequent visits from Chuck and Suzanne Knight, residents of San Diego, CA. She lost her beloved husband in November of 2007 and continued to live quietly and peacefully for the rest of her life in their lovely home in the Tucson foothills. Her son, Chuck and wife, Suzanne would visit her frequently and she would spend the Christmas holidays with them and her grand-kitties in San Diego. Chuck would like to express his sincere gratitude to Dan and Cheryl Ledford for the kindness, assistance and love they provided to Polly in helping her as she grew older. She will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, where she will join her husband, General Jack C. Ledford. She is survived by her two sons, Ricky Knight, Chuck Knight and his wife, Suzanne and Jack's family legacy, Jan, Mike and Dan and their spouses, seven grandchildren, and a whole bunch of great-grandchildren. She will be remembered as a strong loving woman. She was a giving person with a keen intellect who loved small animals, the view of the mountains and the smell of the desert after a rain. Most importantly she loved her friends and family and always greeted you with her beautiful smile. For those who wish to pay their respects to Polly, there will be Memorial service for her at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at: St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church, 4440 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ. 85718 In lieu of flowers, donations to the following organizations are appreciated; Assistance League Tucson, 1307 North Alvernon Way, Tucson, Arizona 85612. Please note on the check, that the contribution is in "Memory of Polly Ledford" or University of Arizona Foundation - Art Works, P.O. Box 245052, Tucson, AZ. 85724 Please note on the check, that the contribution is in "Memory of Polly Ledford" Charitable donations to the UA Foundation are tax - deductible. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.