Ray-Lee D Leiendecker

PALOMINAS — Ray-Lee D. Leiendecker, 14, went Home to his Lord and Savior at the tender age of 14 on April 20, 2017. He was preceded in death by a sister, Aesia, and grandfathers, (great) MarionStults and Ben Leiendecker, who were waiting for him in heaven. Ray is survived by his parents (grand), James and Becky Leiendecker; sisters Sydnie, Leah, Mariah, and Lynaeya; grandmothers, (great) Susan Stults and Virginia Leiendecker; birth parents Amber Lumpkin Reynoso and Robert Sanders; and paternal grandparents, Bruce and Sue Payne. He also left behind a widespread group of aunts and uncles, cousins, extended family, and close friends.

Ray had an amazing gift of music. He was self-taught on piano and guitar. He could hear a song and quickly learn it by ear. He was also gifted and loved to work with his hands – he could make amazing working models out of Legos and K-nex. He was a blossoming artist. He had a wide variety of hobbies which included collecting model cars and hunting. He loved to play Airsoft wars with his close buddies. He looked forward to going to each of his grandmother's homes to swim and watch Ninja Warriors. Ray spent many weeks every year fishing, hunting and hiking in the White Mountains with his family. He enjoyed working with his dad and sister at a local alpaca farm every Saturday. He went most places wearing some form of his signature camouflage. Ray's passing has left a void in our hearts that will not be filled this side of heaven.

Ray accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and we stand firm on the knowledge we will see him again in eternity. In the past five years, he had worked to come to terms with hurts from his past. His family gave him love and an environment to heal and grow, and though his healing and transformation was evident in so many ways, he gave in to the painful memories from his past. Ray was loved by so many, his huge, quick smile will not be forgotten and he is greatly missed. John 3:16; Isaiah 57:1.

A celebration of Ray's life will be held at Country Estates Southern Baptist Church at 5700 S. Hwy 92, Hereford, on Thursday, April 27, 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Ray to the Gideons.

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