Clifford Noel Ledbetter

Clifford Ledbetter was born to Bueford and Betty Ledbetter in Astoria on March 23, 1949.

He lived most of his life in Astoria, where he also attended high school and graduated.

He had a great love for music of all kinds. He had an uncanny ability to be able to hear a song then play it on his guitar or organ. One of his favorites to listen to was Chet Atkins.

He also loved riding his motorcycle around the yard. He had a passion for playing pool and bowling. He worked at the Astoria McDonald’s for 25 years, and took great joy in his work.

Cliff also enjoyed going on vacations and spent many years traveling with his sister, brother-in-law, nieces, nephew and other family members, as they took many trips to Disneyland. After Cliff’s mother no longer wanted to drive separately on vacations, they all rode motorcycles together with Cliff in one sidecar, and our mother in another.

For about 20 years, we all rode our bikes around and explored our great country together. Even in bad weather, Cliff would grin from ear to ear as he rode around in that sidecar. He also greatly enjoyed the two separate cruises he went on, one to Mexico, and the other to the Bahamas.

Cliff cared deeply for his family, and loved them all so dearly. His life was made richer by his nieces, Susan Jackson and Tracy Burchfield, as well as his nephew, Scott Hoofnagle; his great-nieces and great-nephews, Reanna Houghton, Alex Burchfield, Kaitlyn Hoofnagle, Jacob Hoofnagle, Madison Burchfield, Bryon Hoofnagle, Devin Jackson, Wyatt Jackson and Brinley Stephens; his great-great-nephew, Killian Houghton; and his great-great-nieces, Sophia and Emma Houghton.

Cliff’s brother, Bayne Russell, died shortly after Cliff’s passing.

He is survived by his sisters, Beverly Hoofnagle and Darlene Greer; brother, Eldon Russell; brother-in-law, Terry Greer; nieces, Peggy Thomas, Tammy Witt, Shawwna Compton and Nikki Russell; nephews, Jeremy Russell, Pat Greer and Clare Russell; as well as numerous other great-nieces and great-nephews.
Cliff was very much loved and will be greatly missed.

His celebration of life service will be at 1 p.m. on May 19 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 451 34th St., followed by a luncheon.