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Letta Wofford, one of Santa Fe's "living treasures," quietly passed from this life on Friday, February 9, 2001, in her home, attended by her loving family and friends. She was 94. Letta was born June 18, 1906, in her grandfather's house in Bloomington, Ill., and moved to New York when she was 12. She attended Miss Hall's School in Massachusetts and completed her education at Ethical Culture College in Illinois, where she earned a teaching certificate. In 1929, Letta visited Tex Austin's Dude Ranch in Pecos (later purchased by actress Greer Garson). She fell in love with the area and, on the chance of becoming a substitute courier with the Fred Harvey Co., moved to New Mexico in 1931. Letta married rancher Jim Gorbet in 1933. The couple owned a small ranch near Lamy. After Jim died in 1940, Letta moved to Santa Fe and married Keith Wofford, her husband of 59 years. Over the next five decades, Letta built a thriving real estate business and developed lasting relationships with many of her clients. Letta cultivated a lifelong appreciation for the arts. She was always open to new ideas and innovations and helped and encouraged many artists, especially Native Americans and Hispanics. She was an avid art collector and dealer with a keen eye for beauty and talent. In 1994, Letta and Keith were named"Living Treasures" in recognition of their valuable and diverse contributions to the community. Letta belonged to numerous organizations including Southwest Association of Indian Arts, Friends of the Wheelwright Museum, Old Santa Fe Association, CowBelles and a variety of animal protection groups. Letta is survived by her husband, Keith, and their four children, Don Wofford and wife, Floy of California and their children, Sam, Sharon, Debbie, Donna and David; Barbara W. Douglas and husband, Bill of Albuquerque and their children, Dianna Douglas and fiance, Tim Gallardo, Angela Jaramillo and husband, Jose, and stepson, Brian Berry and wife, Kelly; Jim G. Wofford and wife, Georgia of Santa Fe and their children, Laura Wofford and Jon Wofford Carlton; Sally Kellstedt Freenall and husband, Alan of Santa Fe; seven great-grandchildren, including five in Albuquerque, Maia and Bryce Wynn, Kalynn Jaramillo, and David and Meredith Berry; and her beloved nephew, Derek Anderson and wife, Pat of California and their children, Cammie, Derek Jr. and Matt. The family wishes to thank Letta's caregivers, hospice staff and doctors who provided such wonderful care these past few months. A celebration of Letta's life is scheduled for Sunday, February 25, 2001, from 10:00 a.m. until noon, in the ballroom of La Fonda hotel in Santa Fe. A private graveside ceremony will be held at a later date in the National Cemetery. Friends wishing to make donations in Letta's name may send them to the Wheelwright Museum, P.O. Box 5153, Santa Fe, NM 87502; or Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society, 1920 Cerrillos Rd., Santa Fe, NM 87505; or to a charity of their choice.
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