Raymond Neil Russell was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1948 in Williston, ND, the son of Raymond and Virginia (Hall) Russell. The family farmed in Buford, ND and Ray lived there until 1964 when he moved to White Sulphur Springs, MT.
It was in White Sulphur Springs where he met the love of his life, Barbara Thorson. Ray (or J.R. or Junior as many people called him) graduated from WSS HS in 1966. He worked at Berg Garage and Phillips 66 during high school and then went to Helena Vo-Tech. Ray & Barbara were married in White Sulphur Springs on December 23, 1967. They then moved to Williston where Ray was the shop foreman for Reep Motors and their first child, Carla, was born.
In 1969, they moved back to White Sulphur Springs, where Ray worked for the mill and eventually at the Thorson Ranch. They went on to have two more children, Cheryl and Raymond. Ray and Barbara took over the family ranch after Dean passed, working side by side all the years that followed.
Ray really enjoyed his snowmobiles and the many, many hours of working on them with friends and family and of course racing them afterwards. The highway patrolman was even willing to clock his speed after the tune-ups. Ray was avid John Deere man and enjoyed the countless hours spent on his tractors whether it was bailing hay, plowing snow or playing pranks with the grapple forks. He also enjoyed working on cars. Something that began before he started a family and was able to take his cars to the racetrack in Lewistown.
Ray took great pride in is cow herd making sure that at the end of the day they were all paired up and always well taken care of. He also enjoyed the bidding competition at the annual Felton bull sale for many years and was always proud of the bulls that he brought home.
He will be remembered as a very hard working man with a great sense of humor and one who was always happy to lend a helping hand to his neighbors. He was good husband, father and grandfather.
Ray is survived by his wife Barbara of forty-eight years; two daughters, Carla (Ian) Manger of White Sulphur Springs, MT, Cheryl (Scott) Turner of Coeur d’Alene, ID; one son, Raymond Russell of White Sulphur Springs, MT; six grandchildren; one brother, Doug (Diann) Russell of White Sulphur Springs, MT; two sisters, Judy Russell and Jane Russell, both of Billings, MT; one sister-in-law, Lynn Russell of Williston, ND; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, one sister, Kay Russell; and one brother, Gary Russell.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 2nd at The Yoked Parish of First Presbyterian and American Lutheran Churches in White Sulphur Springs. Burial will follow the funeral service at the Mayn Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial in the social center of the church. Memorials in Junior’s name are suggested to the Meagher County Community Foundation c/o Lights on Main Street, PO Box 631, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645 or to a donor of your choice.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday January 2, 2016
The Yoked Parish of First Presbyterian and American Lutheran Churches
411 Jefferson Street
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Reception
Saturday January 2, 2016
The Yoked Parish of First Presbyterian and American Lutheran Churches
411 Jefferson Street
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday January 2, 2016
The Yoked Parish of First Presbyterian and American Lutheran Churches
411 Jefferson Street
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Reception
Saturday January 2, 2016
The Yoked Parish of First Presbyterian and American Lutheran Churches
411 Jefferson Street
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Share
Matt and Diana Laughlin says
Matt and I are so sad to hear of your lost. I hope if you need anything you will let us know…he will be missed.
Tony and Sherri Crowley says
Junior will truly be missed he was always a friend to call when I had Automoble problems or just needed advice in life. The years we worked together were full of fun and excitement. Thanks for sharing him with us
Erin Bernhardt says
Junior will truly be missed. I always thought of him and Barb as a second set of parents. Loved his humor, kindness, and love for life and family! Heaven is getting beautiful angel!
Arlene Warren says
I am Wayne Warren’s wife. I lost Wayne 10 years ago. I know he new Junior and Barb. I am truly sorry or your loss. It is a hard and sad thing
Sherry Juntunen says
Tony and I are so sorry to hear of your loss Barb. Our heart goes out to you and your family. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Travis Stidham says
Thoughts and prayers for all the Russell family. I had many great snowmobile trips and stories enjoyed with Ray. He always was a joy to be around and put a smile on my face.
So sorry for your loss.
Melody Schimpf says
Barb and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Melody Warren Schimpf.
Ron Burns says
So sorry to hear of Jr’s passing. He was a GOOD guy. Great sense of humor, and respected by all his neighbors and friends. I remember when he and his brother moved to town with the Chevy’s with the “409” and whipped everybody that wanted to try them, and would just roar with laughter. They had a lot of fun. He was a good friend, neighbor and classmate.
Coreen "corky" Rooney says
Sorry to hear of your loss. Hugs and prayers to the Russell family. Junior will be missed!
Lisa Marion Tomes says
Barb, I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you. Junior was a good man & will be missed by everyone who knew him.
willard Vinton says
seems like yesterday when I first met Ray with his grey 2 door flathead ford. I am so sorry to hear of his passing at such a young age. our thoughts and prayers are going out to the family a little late as we just got the meagher news today dated January 7th. God speed Ray, and RIP.