Rachel Ann Ledford
April 10, 1986 ~ May 31, 2006
Resided in:
Leicester, NC
Rachel Ann “Barbie” Ledford, 20, of 101 Michael Court, Leicester, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, May 31, 2006.
Miss Ledford was born in Buncombe County and had recently been accepted in the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute of Orlando, FL. She was employed by Mountain Area Community Services and Brew & Cue Sports Bar. She was a member of Biltmore Baptist Church.
She is survived by her mother and father, Martha Ann Rice of Leicester and Rick Rice of Marshall and close family friend, Randall Talley of Asheville. Her father, Bruce Ledford, is of Lakeland, FL. She had four very special siblings whom she loved dearly, Jessica, Krista, Joseph and Anna. Her maternal grandparents, Wendell and Jean Houston live in SC. Also surviving are maternal aunts and uncles, Susan Houston of Austin, TX, and Melissa and Jimmy Weatherford of Summerville, SC; paternal grandparents, Jimmy and Brenda Ledford of Lakeland, FL; aunts and uncles, Anita and Mitch Duff of Lakeland and Steve and Trudy Ledford of Titusville, FL. She is also survived by six special cousins.
Rachel’s life was enriched by many close friends whom she loved dearly.
A celebration of her life will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the Crest Conference Center on Ben Lippen Road. Her family will receive friends immediately following the celebration.
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Rachel-
It seems like just yesterday that we were sitting in the bleachers at the Tourist games with your Mom and Rick, laughing, and being loud the whole game! We could have cared less about the game, we were just there to goof off!
Mom reminded me today about one of my many sleepovers that you came to. This particular one stuck out the most in her mind. You came downstairs and said, ‘I can’t sleep. Can I stay up and watch TV with you?!’ Mom just laughed because you were always the one that couldn’t sleep!
I remember going with you and your mom to Spartanburg. We went to your appointment and then went out to eat. We had to of been the loudest ones in there!
No matter where you were girl, you always shined your beauty for all to see. Your beautiful smile, warm heart, and awesome personality were what I will always remember most about you. You would always do anything for anyone and lend a helping hand whenever it was needed. What an amazing quality to have in such an awesome girl. Any person that has crossed paths with you is a truly blessed person. Know that you will be missed sooo much down here but we all know that you are with the Lord now. We love and miss you dearly. Save a seat for me and I’ll see you when I get there. I love you!!
-Natalie
**Martha Ann and Rick–
You both are in my family’s prayers. All of us are here for you in these troubling times. We love you both!
A dear and beautiful young lady, we will miss you dearly.
Rachel and I had a lot of great times together growing up. It doesn’t seem real that such a lively person like Rachel could be taken from us so soon. I will keep your family in my prayers.
I new Rachel for a short period she was a very fun person always a person you wanted to be around . she would ride motorcycles with me and my friends and she always loved motorcyles its sad knowing that she is gone but we love her god speed this girl and we will see you in heaven!!! love from all the motorcycle group!!!
I will miss u forever . I love u and i will always think of you
We are so very sorry to hear of Rachel’s death. You will be in our thoughts and prayers during the days ahead.
Dear Martha Ann, Rick, & Carol – Rachel was such a beautiful girl. I can’t imagine the deep loss you are feeling. May God give you comfort and assurance that you will see her again where there will be no more goodbyes. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Its so crazy to think that you are gone, i can remember seventh grade and spending what seemed like half of the school year at your house and going walking with you and your mom and how much fun we had. Then working with you just last summer. We all miss you and love you very much.
Rachel’s stepdad, Rick Rice, is a longtime family friend. Although we never had the pleasure of meeting her, Rick spoke of her often and loved her dearly. Our deepest sympathy to her family and friends in this tragic loss. May God give you comfort during this difficult time.
Karen Hansard & Bennett Sebestin
Martha Ann,
Rachel was the best friend a person could ask for. She was very bright and always made everyone laugh. You could always count on her to be there when you needed her. She will be greatly missed by all. I loved her like a sister. God will help you get through this.
I can’t Believe your gone. You will be greatly missed sorry I’m late! Hope you knew I love YOU!
To the family and friends of such a beautiful girl,I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing you will be together again one day as ‘Our Lord Jesus has promised.’
Rachel was such a beautiful girl inside and out! She always was smiling and did her best to make sure everyone around her was too! I will never forget the times we spent together and how much she has touched everyones lives! My thoughts and prayers are with her family and all her friends!! I love you Rachel!!!!
I’m Bruce’s uncle (Brenda’s brother) and I just wanted to tell you how sorry we were to hear about Rachael. Although we haven’t seen her since she was about 5, we keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Rachel was a friend of mine I wish I had gotten the chance to know better… I’ll miss you, Hollywood.
Just wanted to say that Im so sorry for your loss and may God watch over you all…
I hadn’t seen Rachel since she left hooters and moved to Fayetteville. I loved her when I worked with her and spent time with her. I wish I could have found out she moved back a different way, but I have no doubt she was doing what she loved. We had some great times and I have good memories. It’s sad but I think Rachel would have looked at the irony of this. I am sad for the people that are left behind missing her. Rachel was one of a kind and I miss her.
I am so sorry for your loss, Rachel will be missed by everyone who knew her. She was taken much too soon but she will live on in all of our hearts. She loved and was loved in return by so many people at work that the community in Fairview truly feels we have lost a family member although we were only one of many of her second families. She will be greatly missed and we will cherish her memory. We are all praying for your family.
Rachel,
Rest easy in Heaven girl we miss you Hollywood…
Rachel I cant face the fact that you are gone. It seems just like yesterday we were in middle school TPing our friends houses. I just read your message in my senior year book ‘Barbie’s Page’. We really have made some of the BEST momories together. Eventually I will get our modeling pictures from your mom. My heart really goes out to your family Rachel Ann. Soon I will be seeing you again but this time it will be for ever. I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU DEARLY.
Rachel was a beautiful person. She was a pleasure to be around.She was always so happy and always smiling. You have our deepest sympathy. We will miss her. Diana and Chris Chambers
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. She was a very beautiful girl. She will be watching you all from above and waiting for the day everyone is reunited in heaven. She was taken too soon in our earthly opinions but God has a plan. He needed a Barbie Doll in Heaven to make it an even more beautiful place:) Again I am sorry for your loss.
Rachel was a sweet girl with such a bright future ahead of her. May the Lord be with her family and friends and may He be seen through all of the grief and heartache while they are missing Rachel.
‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.’ Matthew 5:4
‘Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.’ 1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 15
I wish we had gotten to know each other more than we actually did Rachel.You were such a beatiful sweet girl.You were so nice to everyone.You will truly be missed by all those that were lucky enough to know you.May you R.I.P.
Love,
Stephanie Magee
to everyone who has signed this guestbook,i say a huge,brokenhearted thank you for all your kind thoughts and especially prayers.losing my sweet booboo is the only thing i thought i couldn’t endure, but for some reason i can’t understand yet, she is gone.she was my gift from God, so i must somehow let her go in peace.thank you for your kind letters. they help me go on when im missing her the most.she was my goofiness and my sunshine. my laughter maker is gone now, but for her funloving sake, i will survive and make her proud of me! i love you all! please come visit anytime! she loved you each one in your own special unique way!!!
You have our deepest sympathy
I love you rach. It just seems like yesterday when we were out being crazy. You were like a sister to me. Last night I woke up a dozen times and it seemed like you were right there with me. I will miss you everyday, but in my heart I know that will meet again in a far better place. You truly are an angel and I feel privelged to know that I got to spend some of lifes precious moments with you, and that is something that no one will ever be able to take away from me. I loved you yesterday, today, and I will forever. You will never be forgotten in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved you. RIP baby girl, I will see you on the other side!
**God bless you Martha Ann! Know that she is with you every moment of everyday and she always will be. I love you and know that it will always be okay.
i am so sorry for your lose. if there is anything I can do please feel free to call me any time day or night.you and your family will be in mine & david’s prayers.If you need a ear to listen or a shoulder
to lean on I am here. my number is 683-3726 or 275-5840 call any time.thinking of you and your family.David&Pam Taylor
Rachel,
I cannot say how fortunate I am to have had you as a friend. Your sweetness, generosity, compassion, kindness and spirit are truly divine. I am so honored to have known you and you were such a blessing to all those around you. I know you are with God and that He is taking care of you. I will always love you.
Your friend,
Jennifer
MARTHA ANN,
I JUST WANT TO LET YOU KNOW HOW VERY SORRY I AM TO HEAR ABOUT THE PASSING YOUR BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER RACHEL. ANNETTE ROOF TOLD ME TODAY.
I MET YOU AT THE LADIES APPRECIATION TEA AT GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. WE TALKED ABOUT BILTMORE AND YOUR JOINING OUR RED HAT CHAPTER.
I CAN ONLY IMAGINE THE HEARTACHE AND GRIEF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING AT THIS TIME. LIKE YOU I HAVE ONE DAUGHTER AND I CAN UNDERSTAND YOUR LOSS. JUST REMEMBER, GOD SAID HE WOULD NEVER PUT MORE BURDEN ON US THAN WE CAN HANDLE. HE IS WITH YOU AND WILL GUIDE YOU THROUGH THIS SORROWFUL TIME. WE DON’T ALWAYS UNDERSTAND GOD’S PLAN BUT THERE ARE NO ACCIDENTS IN HIS PLAN FOR OUR LIVES.
I LOOK FORWARD TO OUR FRIENDSHSIP AND I WILL ALWAYS BE HERE FOR YOU.
WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY,
SANDRA PACHECO
To Rachel’s loved ones,
Thank you for providing Rachel such a faith full and loving supportive environment to grow in. She was a lovely girl with a very warm heart. We all are blessed to have known her. We really enjoyed having her as a guest in our home.
Many blessings from David, Jan and Jennifer Trout
well i didnt know you but you seemed like a great and sweet person. sorry that you had to go home to be with the lord at such a young age. by the way your friends left you messages on your myspace, i know you will be greatly missed. you will never be forgotten. always in everyones heart. you seen like the kinda person that was outgoing and loved your friends and family. RIP.
Martha Ann, Susan, Taylor, Nannie, and Poppy. I can’t begin to tell you how my heart aches for you. You are my family. Though I can’t be there with you at this time, know I am always carry you in my heart.
I love you very much,
Vickie
I’m Brenda’s first cousin and am truly so very sorry to hear about Rachel. Although I did not know her, it seems she was such a beautiful, lovely, lively, young person. My heart and prayers are with all her family.
Kaye Walker
She will truly be missed
May God comfort you at this time of sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Andy & Janice
Paul & Bonnie
Michelle&Richard
Jesse & Tina
I am so devastated. Rachel was the sweetest girl I ever worked with and I will feel an ache in my heart every time I think about her. She was a real beautiful girl with a kind heart.
I was so upset when I heard the news, it really broke my heart. I hadnt really seen Rachel much after high school but I know she was really a wonderful girl and it is a terrible loss. My thoughts and sympathy is with her family right now.
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I knew Rachael from high school, we had a couple classes together and I had worked with her for a while. She was such a sweet girl with such a bright personality. She could always make people smile. I know that she will be greatly missed. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Krystina Sellers
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. A friend of mine told me the news this evening. I knew Rachael from high school, we had a couple classes together and I had worked with her for a while. She was such a sweet girl with such a bright personality. She could always make people smile. I know that she will be greatly missed. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Krystina Sellers
MRS, LEDFORD, I AM A EMPLOYEE OF MACS AND I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR PRECIOUS DAUGHTER. MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU DURING YOU GREAT LOSS. I AM WILLING TO HELP YOU IN ANY WAY POSSIBLE. I HAVE A DAUGHTER THAT IS 18 ALMOST 19 AND I WILL BE WILLING TO SHARE HER WITH YOU IF YOU NEE A TEENAGER AROUND TO TALK WITH. REMEMBER THAT GOD IS ALWAYS RIGHT BY YOUR SIDE AND HE LOVES YOU THE SAME WAY THAT YOU LOVED RACHEL.TAKE CARE AND HOLD ON TO GOD AND HE WILL HELP YOU THROUGH THIS AWFUL TIME OF YOUR LIFE. KAREN BOONE
Ive never met a more energetic person.I will miss her,and that beautiful smile.I feel blessed to have known her.May God watch over all of you,Protect you,and give you great comfort.
May God comfort you at this time of sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I never met Rachel, but I worked with Rick and know the love he has for her. Our family is keeping your family in our prayers. May God bless you and strengthen you during this time of sorrow.
Cindy, Tasha, James and Lacee Whitt
There are no words to express the grief we feel. We will be praying for God to wrap his arms around you with his love through friends and family. From The Ball Family
Ray and I are in Rick’s Sunday School Class. We are deeply sorry for your loss and wish we could have come to the funeral home Saturday.
My heart goes out to you. Rachel was my employee at Subway last year and she was a charming young woman with a wonderful personality and enthusiam. God bless.
Dear Martha: Rachel was a beautiful and energic young lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God strengthen you today and all the days to follow.
Jack, Pam, and Matt Justice
I remember meeting you when Hooters first opened. You were always so nice and friendly to me and my daughter. I always appreciated the times you sat and played with her. Rest in peace girl…you will definitely be missed
MY THOUGHTS AN PRAYERS ARE W/EVERYONE.
you will truely be missed
I will miss you
I’m so sorry for your loss. Rachael and I went to school together. My sister called me and told me what happened. I live in SC now, so I wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless
A bright light has been dimmed but not put out. The spirit of Rachel’s grace and beauty will be with us always.
My deepest sympathies to the family and all who knew her.
Jackie Hall
God be with you and your family as you find a way to deal with this loss…
Martha Ann and family,
I had the opportunity to enjoy Rachel in homeroom each year at North Buncombe. I will always remember her smile, listening ear to others, and eagerness to please those who loved her so much. My heart aches with you. May the Lord give you peace now and always!
Warmly,
Jan Luquire
Ricky and Martha Ann- You both, along with the rest of Rachel’s family and friends, are in our thoughts and prayers. Let us share your burden of grief and rejoice in your everlasting memories. We know the beauty of Rachel’s loving personality will live on in all our hearts. Much love,
We met Rachel At the Asheville Tourists Last Year. My Daughter Katie really loved her. She always greeted us with a smile and a hug. She will be missed.
From the first moment I saw Rachel at an Asheville Tourist Game in 2005 I knew she was a special person. For one she was one of those people that could make you feel better no matter what. She was a beautiful young lady that was my role model and I will miss her terribly. And on behalf of Jason DiAngelo i pass my condolences to the family.
I just wanted to give my condolences to the family and may you, Rachel, be remembered forever. RIP
Rachel Ann I LOVE you so much! every day that passes i think about all the wonderful fun times we shared throughout our lives. jumping on the the trampoline with tons of soap and water, the numerous slip and slides,building the best forts in weaverville!, animal hospital was one of our favorites and oh yeah, detectives secret spy agents:) we had the most wonderful childhood that so many people dream of!! Rachel you are my only true friend I have ever had. You were and still are looking after me! I thank you and God for every moment we shared, even the tough ones. Martha ann you are always my other mommy and I miss you and love you so much! Randy I love you and that look on your face when I ripped one right in front of you!lol! Rick I am really grateful that you were such a big part of my childhood and a wonderful father!
Rachel Ann i will never just ‘get over’ this. I love you so much and I miss you so much but, everyday it makes me smile knowing that you are in the most beautiful place not on this world and I can’t wait till I can hug you again and kiss you!
Dear Boo Boo, today is your 5th birthday in heaven. I love you as much as ever and still miss you. You know you are in my thoughts daily. You are with your heavenly Father now and are at peace! I will see you again one sweet day!!! You will always be my precious gift from God!!!!