Beatrice Irene Ledbetter

Beatrice Irene Cassidy Ledbetter, 86, was born on September 24, 1939, to Michael and Marie Cassidy in Boardman, Oregon. She passed away at home on December 11, 2025. Beatrice, known to many as Bea, grew up in Boardman alongside her four siblings- Michael, Peter, Ellen, and Rose. She attended school in Boardman through the tenth grade and graduated from St. Joseph Academy in Pendleton, Oregon. She later continued her education at Marylhurst College.

In 1959, Bea married the love of her life, Lyle "Larry" Ledbetter. That same year, together they founded Ledbetter's Refrigeration, starting the business out of a small garage next to their Pendleton home. Bea balanced family life and work with remarkable dedication. She worked as a medical transcriptionist at St. Anthony Hospital and Blue Mountain Diagnostic before joining Ledbetter's Refrigeration full time in 1985 as office manager. She retired in 2013 after decades of service to both her family and the business.

Bea and Larry raised four children: Laurie, Michael, Lyle, and Paula. In 2010, their children hosted a joyous 50th wedding anniversary celebration surrounded by friends and family, young and old. To mark the occasion, Bea and Larry were gifted a three-week trip to Ireland-an experience that fulfilled a lifelong dream. While there, Bea met relatives from her father's homeland, later receiving Irish citizenship, a source of great pride and happiness for her.

Above all else, Bea treasured her family. She often said one of life's greatest gifts was having her grandchildren stay at the house, remarking, "What luck being able to watch their various personalities and to be part of their life for what seems like too short a time." Her home was filled with love, laughter, and generations of memories.

Bea is survived by her beloved husband, Larry Ledbetter; her children Laurie Post, Michael (Jill) Ledbetter, Lyle Ledbetter, and Paula (Jason) Smith; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; her brother Peter Cassidy; brother-in-law Bill (Darlene) Ledbetter; sister-in-law Karen Kell; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Marie Cassidy; her siblings Michael Cassidy, Ellen Nooy, and Rose Carey; her grandson Jason Post; brother-in-law John Nooy; and nephews Mikey Nooy, David Nooy, Pete Cassidy, and Duncan Cassidy.

Beatrice will be remembered for her devotion to family, her strong work ethic, and the quiet grace with which she lived her life. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through generations.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Sunday, January 11, Roy Raley Room (Round Up grounds), from noon to 4.