Willie Ledbetter Hiatt

HIATT, WILLIE Willie Ledbetter Hiatt Mrs. Bruce Hiatt died Saturday, September 25, 2004, in Waco. Graveside services will be Wednesday, September 29 at 11:30am at Oakwood Cemetery with the Rev. Darrel Phillips of Speegleville Methodist Church officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 5-7pm Tuesday, September 28 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Mrs. Hiatt was born in Pyatt, Arkansas, March 9, 1919, to Arkie and Cort Ledbetter. She attended Waco schools and graduated from Waco High School and Baylor University. On January 25, 1942, she married Bruce Hiatt in Waco. After living in various cities during World War II, they returned to Waco to make their home and rear their daughter, Linda. Willie Hiatt was a prominent educator for many years. She and her husband, Bruce, were active members of Herring Avenue Methodist Church for many years. She taught school at Provident Heights from 1966-1989, when she retired. She served as a very active member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Epsilon Chi chapter. Willie and Bruce enjoyed square dancing and traveled to many states to dance. Her favorite place to visit was Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her talent as a teacher is known by many. Even after retirement from WISD, she taught classes in the Gifted and Talented Program at Valley Mills High School. As her health declined, she remained active and enjoyed being with her friends and family. Survivors include daughter, Linda Netherland and son-in-law, Kenneth, sister, Betty Smith, nephews, Pat Smith of Fresno, California, Mike Smith, of Arlington, Texas, David Pittman of Clyde, Texas, Cory Pittman, of Abilene, Texas, niece, Patty Simmons, of Georgetown, Texas, and a brother-in-law, O.J. Pittman, of Abilene, Texas. Many former students have requested the honor to commemorate the life of the teacher they love, as honorary pallbearers. The family suggests that memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. You may leave a message or memory at our Memorial Guestbook at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. WILKIRSON-HATCH-BAILEY