Paula Ann Ledbetter, 69, of Columbia, died peacefully on July 20, 2025, at her home surrounded by family and friends. She was born March 10, 1956, in Paducah, Ky., to the late Joseph (Papa Joe) D. Callis, Sr. and Barbara J. (nee Wright) Callis.

Paula loved spending time with her family, especially watching her boys and the grandkids ballgames (there was no louder cheerleader) no matter what sport they were in at the time. She also enjoyed her time at the farm with her late husband Mike and friends, along with watching her beloved St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Bears, her jeep rides, traveling, antiquing, gardening, taking care of her flowers and delivering meals for seniors when she was in Astoria.

Paula truly loved life, she never met a stranger and had a heart bigger than her body.

Surviving are her sons Daniel Wayne (Sila) Barks and David Isaac (Kristin) Barks of Columbia; stepdaughter Michelle (Ben) Hippard; grandchildren Makenzie Hippard, Nathan Hippard, Isaac Barks, Remington Barks, Harley Barks and soon to be granddaughter Daniela Ann Barks; brothers Joseph Daniel (Karin) Callis Jr. and  Dennis Wayne ( Karen) Callis; brother-in-law Mark (Carla) Griffith; sisters-in-law Lynn (Greg) Bigogno and Karen Ledbetter; along with other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Michael Ledbetter.

Visitation is 4-7 p.m. July 31 at Leesman Funeral Home, Columbia. 

A memorial services will follow at the funeral home.  

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, St. Louis.