Natalie Johanna Ledford

With hearts full of sorrow and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Natalie Johanna Ledford, who entered the presence of her Lord and Savior at the age of 48. After a long and courageous battle with ALS, Natalie passed peacefully in the Sacred Heart ICU, surrounded by the love of her family. Though her body had grown weary from years of battling this relentless disease, her faith remained steadfast, her love never faltered, and her courage endured until her final breath.

Natalie was born in Ashland, OR, and spent her childhood in Medical Lake, WA. In later years, she made her home in Coeur d’Alene, ID, and finally Spokane, WA.

A devoted Christ follower, Natalie lived her life with quiet confidence in God’s promises. Her faith was not simply something she believed—it was woven into the way she loved, forgave, and cared for those around her. Even through the unimaginable challenges of ALS, she trusted that God was walking beside her every step of the way.

Natalie was overflowing with creativity and excelled at everything she endeavored to do. She was a gardener, landscaper, musician, mountain climber, author and song writer, bee keeper, skier, and entrepreneur.

Music and words were equally at home in her heart. She played the cello with liveliness, tenderness and expression, and she wrote songs and poetry that captured both joy and sorrow with honesty and grace.

Natalie loved her husband, Len. Her sons, James and Luke, were the greatest treasures of her life. She delighted in their laughter, celebrated every milestone, and poured herself into giving them a childhood rich with love, encouragement, and memories that will remain with them forever.

ALS gradually took away many of the things Natalie loved to do. It slowly stole her voice, strength and independence, but it never stole her courage, her creativity, her faith, or the deep love she carried for her family. Those who visited her during her illness often left encouraged by her courage and smile, rather than discouraged by her circumstances.

Natalie is lovingly survived by her husband, Len; her beloved sons, James and Luke; her parents, Lee and Karen; her sister, Joy; and many extended family members and dear friends who were blessed to know her.

Those who knew Natalie will remember far more than her illness…the quiet strength of a woman whose faith and courage rarely wavered and her beautiful smile.

As followers of Christ, we do not say goodbye forever. We rejoice in the promise that Natalie has been made whole, free from pain, and welcomed into the presence of the Savior she loved throughout her life. Her life remains a testimony to faith, perseverance, creativity, and unconditional love.

Her suffering has ended. Her faith has become sight.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and joyfully remembered until the day her family is reunited with her in the presence of the Lord.

Visitation is at Hazen & Jaeger Valley Funeral Home on Friday, August 14, from 4-7. Service will be Saturday, August 15, 2PM at Resolute Ministries 1165 W Ironwood Dr, Coeur d’Alene, ID.

The service may also be livestreamed, we will post further details here either way in the days to come.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to any of the following, they all helped us in many ways.

ALS-SO - https://alsso.org/

Healing ALS - https://healingals.org/

Matts Place Foundation- https://www.mattsplacefoundation.org/

We look forward to celebrating Natalie’s life with all of you who also loved her dearly!