Raymond Paul Ledbetter, 87

Dec. 22, 1937 — March 3, 2025

“Paul,” as he was known to all who loved him, passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on March 3, 2025. Until his last day, he maintained his wonderful sense of humor and deep peacefulness. He remarked more than once that he had lived the "best life anyone could ever ask for."

Born as the third of three boys in Chowchilla, Calif., on Dec. 22, 1937, Paul was the son of Jack and Nellie Ledbetter. From an early age, he demonstrated a love for football, earning a scholarship to play at Fresno City College and later at Linfield College in McMinnville, Ore. It was at Linfield that Paul met the love of his life, Sue (Best) Ledbetter, and the two were married in 1962.

After pursuing theological studies at the American Baptist Seminary of the West in Berkeley, Calif., Paul went on to serve in various ministries, including an internship with his brother Jim at the First Baptist Church in Honolulu, Hawaii. His path led him to serve as a minister in Melba, Idaho, and North Bend, Wash. However, it was at Ross Point Baptist Camp in Post Falls, Idaho, where Paul truly found his calling. From 1972 until his retirement, Paul served as the director of the camp, raising his three children — Brad, Cherie and Dawn — while developing lifelong friendships with many individuals and families. He cherished his time at the camp, where he could live his faith, build, create and connect to the outdoors and all who walked through the doors. Paul made sure all felt welcome at the Ledbetter’s household and Ross Point.

Paul was a devoted husband and father. He attended countless track meets and band concerts and loved coaching football. He deeply loved his children, his grandchildren — Shelby, Taylor, Keaton, Ali, Max, Emma and Zoe — and his great-grandson, Graysen. Paul also shared a special bond with his brothers, Jim and Felix, and recently enjoyed celebrating Felix’s 90th birthday with much of his extended family in Sonora, Calif.

Paul found great joy in hunting and fishing, though he often joked, “There’s a reason it’s called fishing, not catching,” and being on the water. He drove the boat for hours, pulling water skiers and trying to launch tubers into the air (quite successfully). He lived an incredibly authentic, gentle life, laughing easily, singing camp songs, telling stories, and being a great listener. His gift, though, was connecting with people. It was always marked by sincerity, openness, curiosity and respect.

Paul is survived by his loving wife, Sue, his children, Brad and Sherri Ledbetter, Cherie, Dawn and Dudley Stukenberg, his grandchildren, Shelby, Taylor, Keaton, Ali, Max, Emma and Drew Gibbons, and Zoe, his great-grandson, Graysen, and many cherished extended family members and friends.