Lura J Moody's Obituary
Lura J. Moody, age 82, of Fort Smith passed away Saturday September 20, 2025. She was born October 30, 1942 in Paris, Arkansas to James and Verene McKinney Witt. She was a longtime member of Saint Boniface Catholic Church in Fort Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert J. “Butch” Moody and her brother, Kenneth Witt. We celebrate the life of a remarkable woman, whose faith, kindness and dedication left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She was first and foremost a devoted Christian, walking daily in her faith with grace, humility and a heart full of service. Her love for the Lord guided her steps and shone brightly in the way she treated others with compassion, encouragement and unwavering generosity. A gifted gardener, she found joy in nurturing life, whether tending to blooming flowers, cultivating vegetables, or simply sharing the beauty of God’s creation with others. Her garden was a place of peace, reflection, and fellowship, where friends and family were always welcome. Her spirit of volunteerism touched countless lives. She gave freely her time and talents never seeking recognition but always striving to make her community stronger and more compassionate. Through her acts of service, she embodied the very essence of love in action. She will be remembered not only for her faith and service, but also for her gentle smile, her ready laughter, and the warmth she brought into every room. Her legacy lives on in the gardens she planted, the lives she lifted, and the example she set as a faithful servant of God.
She is survived by her two daughters, Jill Ledbetter and her husband Robert of Oklahoma and Sondi Catsavis and her husband George of Fort Smith; her son, Chris Moody and his wife Emily of Fort Smith; two sisters, June Rogers of Scranton, Arkansas and Roxie Etzkorn of Dardanelle, Arkansas; one brother, James Lee Witt of Dardanelle; seven grandchildren, Landen Ledbetter (Tarah), Gunnar Moody (Cris), Logan Ledbetter, Zach Moody, Blake Farmer, Maggie Farmer, Lexie Mitchell (Erik) and one great-grandson, Michael Robert Ledbetter; sister in law, Sondie Callaway of San Diego, California and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Thursday September 25, 2025, at Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith. Funeral Mass will be 11:30 am Friday at Saint Boniface Catholic Church in Fort Smith with burial to follow in the Fort Smith National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Junior High or Reynolds Cancer Support House, https://www.reynoldscancersupporthouse.org/
To place an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com
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