LaVerne Ray Leffler, “Ray”, age 62 of Helena, passed away Saturday, March 17, 2012 at a local hospital.
Ray was born January 23, 1950 in Joliet, Ill. Ray lived in the community of West Mont on Tara Ct. He was lovingly cared for by the staff of West Mont. Ray was well loved by all. He was made an honorary Helena Big Horn by the team. Hockey and bowling were some of Ray’s favorite sports.
Even though Ray had a disability, he made friends everywhere he went. He was in the choir of First Lutheran Church. He brought compassion and laughter to his home, his family and this community. Ray is going to be deeply missed by so many.
Ray is survived by his twin, Kay Broadbent of Lochbuie, Co, his brother, Bob Leffler and nephews, Chris and Mac Leffler of Billings, his brother Edwin “Bud” Leffler of Dayton, Wy., his sister, Norma Knittle of Yelm, Wa., four nieces, Jennifer Witt and Lizz Trigg of Washington, Jamie Daughertery, Billings, and Meloni Snyder, St. Charles, Mo. He is also survived by three nephews, Larry and Mark Burr of Oregon, and Nick Broadbent, Lochbuie, Co., and by his father, Ron Leffler of Battle Creek, Mi.
A viewing will be held at Retz Funeral Home Chapel, 315 E. 6th Ave., Helena, from 6pm to 8pm Monday, March 19. Ray’s funeral is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 20, at the First Lutheran Church, 2231 Broadway, with a reception to follow at the church. Burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Billings on Wednesday, March 21. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Ray, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Jennifer Parker says
I worked at Tara house several years ago. Ray was a very special guy and I have always carried fond memories of him and my time there. We played countless games of Skipbo, went to several hockey games and Brewers games. Not only did Ray touch my heart, but the hearts of all that came into contact with him, including my young daughters. He will be missed.
Othelia Schulz says
Yes we have known Ray for many,many years.He resided at Boulder with our handicapped Son Jim.And currently lived in the group home next to the 4-plex that Jim lives in. He was always their to shake your hand and greet me.I will miss seeing him their. He was quite a guy.
Lots of Love Othelia Shulz Jim,s Mother.
Janet Tatz says
I have known Ray since the ’70s in Boulder. He was always a sweet man with a gentle disposition and ready smile. I will miss seeing him around town.
Lynn Vickers says
I met Ray in 1991, when I began working at Tara House. We became quite close and remained good friends even after leaving the area. I, as well as my family (my kids called him Uncle Ray)will truly miss him.
I’m so happy I met you all those years ago, Ray, and that you were such a big part of ours lives.
The Vickers Family
Helen Duffey says
I was sorry to hear that Ray had passed. Back in the 70’s Ray and I were weight loss buddies and he excelled . Nedless to say I lost and Ray won the prize. Im glad he had a good life and good people to support him he was a good person.
Rev. Suzanne T Black says
I worked at BRS&H for 10 years, and was Ray’s teacher much of that time. I really liked him, and am so sorry to hear of his passing. I remember the day he reached his “goal weight” at Weight Watchers. He was so proud!
Lenna Faglie says
I have worked with Ray for the last 5 years and I can tell you he will be greatly missed.
Glen Cuchine says
Ray’s life is a testimony to all who knew him. Working with Ray was a pleasure as well as a challenge as he sought to live his life authentically on his own terms. Thank you, Ray, for teaching all a great deal about honesty and triumph over daily struggles. Rest in peace and tell Ernie we said ‘hello’.
Katie Long (Roeber) says
I’m very sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. For as long as I can remember, Ray has been part of our family. My father (Ernie Roeber) met Ray right after he graduated college and started working at MDC. Ray made my baby cradle before I was born. We still have it and I will use it for my own children. My family became an advocate for Ray when he moved to Helena to Tarra Court. I have countless memories of going to Pizza Hut with Ray or going to the Dairy Queen for ice cream.
I will never forget the smell of Ray’s pipe and how happy he was when we would come to visit. The last time I saw Ray was at my wedding. I still have the toaster that he gave us. The world lost a wonderful person. A person that was compassionate, giving and happy despite his disability. If only we could all live our lives like that.
RIP Ray. Love ya,
Katie
Tanya Shearer says
I’ve had the please of knowing Ray for years! From church, to Westmont, and many events in between. What an amazing man he was. We work together for many years at the Harvest Days Event. My children loved him and looked forward to getting to work the mini-golf station with him each time. What a positive and blessed individual, who will always have a place in my heart. Ray will be greatly missed.