Ray Houstin Jones left his family on the morning of November 30, 2017, to join his heavenly father. Ray was 80 years old and passed after a long struggle with heart disease. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Laura, daughter, Carrie and Grandson, Josh.
Ray was born on December 16, 1936 in Rome, Missouri. He was the fourth child and youngest member of his family, born to William and Carrie Jones.
Ray had a Gypsy soul that led him away from his home in McClurg, Missouri. Ray had wonderful stories of his childhood, growing up in the Ozarks, which kept his family and friends laughing and maybe a bit shocked at times.
Ray discovered Montana in 1957 and this is where he met his wife Laura. After marrying on June 27, 1958 they moved to San Diego, CA, where he was serving in the Navy. They could never get Montana out of their blood and moved back and fourth between the two states. Hunting and fishing was a bit of an obsession for our dad.
Ray owned his own business, Jones Portable Welding, in San Diego for many years. After selling his business, he and Laura returned to Montana for good. He could hunt and fish all he wanted, and did. He told some pretty good fish tales and hunting stories. He passed his love of hunting and fishing onto his two sons and grandsons, Austin, Josh and Dustin.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Maxine and Lena, and Howard and Ruby Wallace. Ray will rejoice in joining his family members and dear friends again.
Ray is survived by his brother, Oral Lee, wife, Laura, son Randy and wife Ingrid, son Mike, daughter Dana, and daughter Carrie and husband Rick. Ray has eleven grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Our hearts are filled with sorrow but look forward to being embraced in his loving arms at heaven’s gate.
A special thank you goes out to our loving mother, grandson Josh, Frontier Home Health and Hospice and the VA hospital for the loving care and patience they provided to our father. Thank you to all his wonderful family, friends and neighbors that stopped by to visit with him.
Services for Ray will be held privately for his family. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Ray are suggested to Frontier Home Health & Hospice, 800 Front St., Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Ray.
Al Davis says
Would like to share a few memories, but not sure about “Statutes Of Limitations” laws! Just kidding, Laura. Ray was one of the most interesting. exciting, entertaining, and kind friends I ever had. Many fond and fun memories involved events with Ray! So sorry for your loss, Laura!!!! Al Davis
Gillian Hensley says
My thoughts are with you Laura and your entire family in the loss of Ray. Through thick and thin I believe Ray was probably the best friend Joe ever had and as you know, they had many memorable escapades over the years. In the 35 plus years I have known you and Ray I fondly remember all the visits Joe and I had with you in San Diego and Montana after you finally relocated there permanently. Whether it was fishing, hunting (including our memorable turkey hunting trip to Miles City with Al), boating, camping, spending time at the Fireside or on the ranch up Deep Creek Canyon and at Goose Bay Marina, many fantastic memories have been made. Not the least of which were some wonderful 4th of July BBQ’s and dancing in the sagebrush. I’d like to think that Joe and Ray are together again sharing a beer, along with many 4 legged companions (Bandit, Abe, Bo, Jack, Jed, Huck and others) and are also comparing notes over their years spent together. My love and thoughts are with you Laura and the entire family. Gill Hensley
Sim E Evans says
Sorry to hear about Ray, we rode the same school bus to the same school; seems like yesterday… He was two years older than me.
God bless
Jerry and Sandra Sandvig says
A wonderful friend and fishing partner for years, our thouths are with Laura as this to will pass and life gos on. Laura we cry with you and will always be there for you if you need help. May god be with you and help you through these troubled times.
Scotty and Carol Watson says
Scotty & Carol Watson says
We’ve had some of the greatest times of our lives with Ray and Lara in Montana, he will be missed by the both of us forever, trips to York for a burger, fishing Canyon Ferry, cook outs, Rodeos, the four of us driving around to see wild life,Gates of the Mountains, or just hang’n out together. We both love Montana, but it will never be the same for Carol & I, we love Ray and all his family!!!!!!!! The Watsons
Sandra and Jason Snyder says
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Laura and family. We could not have asked for a better neighbor and friend. The boys especially Brandon will miss you.
Jake Hoppe says
Elk hunting, Fishing, and Ray’s smile. Thoughts and prayers to you Laura and rest of the family.
Roy and Peg Hensley says
Laura, sorry to hear about Ray. I sent you a card on Dec 4 and it was returned today. We all had so much fun those few years were in San Diego! Would love to see you all. Sorry your card didn’t make it to you. I had 495 Griffin Rd, Helena, Montana. Evidently that was incorrect. Say hello to the kids for us.
Again, sorry your card didn’t make it, so thought I would try this.