Michael V. “Mike” Ledbetter of Hermiston died on Aug. 20, 2025 in Portland at the age of 54.
He was born on April 12, 1971 in Jerome, Idaho to Don and Sandra Ledbetter.
Mike attended grade school in PEI, and Nova Scotia, Canada. He later graduated from Riverside High School in Boardman in 1989. After high school he attended Chemeketa Community College, as well as Blue Mountain Community College. While attending Blue Mountain, he began working at Albertson’s in Pendleton as a cashier, dairy case supplier and a meat cutter.
Mike welcomed his son, Cody to the world in 1991. Mike married Stacey Culp in 1993, and a year later they welcomed their first daughter, Kaylee to the world. Their youngest daughter, Madisen joined them in 1997. Mike worked at KIE, where he sold irrigation parts and designed custom sprinkler system diagrams. In 1999, he started working for the Department of Corrections as the corrections landscaper. He installed irrigation in a nearly impossible situation on top of a basalt rock cliff. He managed to plant trees and grass and impressed a lot of people with his hard work and determination. In 2003, Mike started Vesco Landscape Construction, which he successfully ran for 22 years. Vesco started as just a two man crew with his best friend, Wade Ackerman. Throughout the years, Mike employed several young men, many of which had never picked up a shovel or rake.
Mike was very proud to be promoted to “Grandpop” when granddaughter, Hinsley was born in 2013, and again when his grandson, Riggins was born in 2017. His proudest roles were being a father and grandfather. He loved teaching, guiding and sharing his wisdom with his family, creating memories that will be shared forever.
He is survived by his wife, Stacey Ledbetter, Hermiston; son, Cody Connell, Stanfield; daughter, Kaylee (Riley) Vanderkooy and daughter, Madisen, all of Hermiston; grandchildren, Hinsley and Riggins; mom, Sandra (Rupert) Ledbetter, Plymouth, Wash.; brother, Dan (Ellen) Ledbetter of Twin Falls, Idaho; and sister, Wendy (Gene) Garrett of Richland, Wash.
Mike was preceded in death by his father, Don Ledbetter and a sister, Donna.
Mike was one of a kind and loved by so many. He had friends in many different places. We will never forget his rich spirit, humor, and witty personality.
A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 at 3 p.m. at Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center, 1705 E. Airport Road, Hermiston.
Please share memories of Mike with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
