Ray Mills died, in the loving arms of his family, on January 26, 2018, of heart failure. He was born Raymond Marsh Mills on June 20, 1944, in Hagerstown, MD, to Carl and Florence (Williams) Mills. At five months of age, his mother returned to Montana and placed him in the loving care of his grandmother, Ruth Williams of Townsend.
Ray was raised a Catholic and was proud of his service as an altar boy at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Townsend. Ray attended grade school in Townsend and junior high and high school in Helena, graduating from Helena High in 1962. After graduation he moved to Long Beach, CA, and later to San Diego where he worked in various auto parts stores. He married Beverly Giddings in 1968, they moved back to Helena in 1970, and they divorced in 1976.
In 1978, Ray met Kay Johnson and her daughter Janna, and they embarked on a life together of love, laughter, and family. In 2007 Ray decided to make his fatherhood official and adopted Janna. After 37 years of wonderful times together, Ray and Kay were married on July 25, 2015.
Ray worked in sales his entire life, beginning as a young child raising chickens and selling the eggs to his customers in Townsend. He sold mobile homes when he first returned to Helena, but was primarily a car salesman which he loved. He worked for Burke Volkswagen, for Steve Wong at Planet Motors, at his own car lot called TLC, and for Dave and Erick Anderson at Placer Motors/PMI Used Cars where he retired in 2015. Wherever he worked, customers followed him because he was honest and treated them fairly. Ray also worked in the bar business for several years at Ichabod’s and as manager of The Bullwhacker.
Ray loved playing pool, fast-pitch softball and bowling, and participated in leagues for decades. He was particularly sorry to have to give up bowling in recent years because of health problems.
Ray loved kids and pets, and they loved him back. His latest furry friend was Blackie, the lot cat, who lived at PMI Used Cars until he retired with Ray. We are happy to report that Blackie has found a wonderful new home with people who will treat him as well as Ray did.
Ray is survived by his wife Kay, daughter and son-in-law Janna and Dan Kroll of Helena, granddaughters Kaitlin and Hanna Kroll at U of M in Missoula, brother-in-law Don (Vicky Ewing) Johnson of Portland and Gary (Marilynn) Johnson of Wolf Point, sister-in-law Ruth Orem of Phoenix, nephew James (Michelle) Johnson and their children, Kaylee and Aaron, of Wolf Point, Kay’s sister-in-law Gaynell (Dave) Bruck of Helena, stepson David Giddings of Clancy, aunt Mary Grove and uncle Frank Mills of Hagerstown, MD, and numerous cousins including Tony Williams of Great Falls, Susie Spotorno, Cindy Lieberg and Terri Williams Moreci of Helena, and Bruce Williams of Chandler, AZ. He is also survived by his chosen brother Mike Meredith and many dear friends too numerous to mention. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandmother, and his uncles Ray, Joe, Pat and Dave Williams.
One of Ray’s finest qualities was gratitude and, throughout life’s ups and downs, he was always grateful for every good thing that came his way. He was loving, giving, and willing to help anyone who asked. Above all, Ray loved his family and his friends and would do anything for us. As a tribute to Ray, please tell your loved ones how much they mean to you and be kind to someone in need.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 10th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena. A coffee and cookie reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Memorials in Ray’s name are suggested to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604, or to Big Brothers Big Sisters by visiting http://www.bbbs-helena.org/, or to the Friendship Center of Helena, 1430 N. Sanders St., Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Ray.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday February 10, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Saturday February 10, 2018
Social hall of the funeral home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday February 10, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Saturday February 10, 2018
Social hall of the funeral home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Dave and Crystal Shors says
Dear Kay, Janna, Dan and family, What a sad Sunday morning to see that Ray has passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as we remember Ray. He’s been a great and loyal friend for so many years, from all those bowling years, for all his car advice, together with many hours we spent together poring over old records and city directories. He loved history, he loved our town and state, his coffee klatch, his fellow car buffs, his music, a good story, and a good laugh. Most of all he loved his family. He’ll always remain in our thoughts, and be our friend. ~~
Dave and Crystal
Laura Whale & Will Kussman says
I will miss him very much I enjoyed Bowling on Wednesday’s and more recently helping him cut Blackies toenails every month! How he loved that cat and his family. It will be my privilege and honor to take care of Blackie in his golden years. Will and my thoughts are with you and family during this difficult time!
Susan Proul says
Ray was quite the man..,I have such fond memories of him throughout my time in the car business and will always appreciate the help he gave me. My thoughts and prayers to Kay and the family at this time. May the memories held close in the heart will be with you all forever…
Leon and Marsha Belville says
Kay and Family, We were saddened to hear of Rays passing. I have known Ray since High school and have fond memories of those times. Our thoughts to you and family. Marsha and Leon Belville
John & Cherie Dahl says
Kay and rest of the family. So sorry about Ray. So many memories, especially our high school days, working class reunions, and our time together working at Placer Motors. We will be out of town so won’t be able to attend the service. ?
Helene Rust Vance says
With sincere sympathy and fond memories. I first met Ray in junior high school and considered him a friend from that time on. Hope your entire family can find comfort in all their memories of him. Take good care of each other.
Sonja says
Ray had that special quality of sincerity to all who knew him. I knew him as a classmate. I’m glad to have known such a special man. My condolences to family.
Wendi Kottas Peterson says
With fond memories and great sadness, we will miss Ray. Our class reunions and class memories will always be linked to his hard work. His friendship through all our school years was a gift. Condolences to his family.
Mike Machler says
Kay, I’m terribly sorry to hear this. My condolences to you.
Steve Wong says
I am deeply saddened to learn Ray J has passed. He was great to work with through so many years! We planned and plotted, argued and angled, and most importantly, laughed, our way through thousands of car deals. He loved his family and life, believed in hard work and people. Well done, Ray J. and till we meet again, “over the curb”
Max and Claudia Simmons says
Our thoughts of Ray float back to the earliest recollections in Helena, for me as a 7th grader. Ray was always a determined person, good to speak well of others and maintain good feelings with all. Throughout the later years and on through high school Ray was always present, active and positive. Later, as an organizer, communicator and steady person in life, Ray helped by lifting where he stood. He was not grandiose or self promoting but out going and gracious to all. To his family, I add my voice in comfort and assurance that you will all be together again one day when time is no more. May his soul ever be aware of good friends both here and now there supporting and sustaining him. Ray will be missed here as he is now welcomed in Heaven.
Margaret Hofacker says
Dear Kay, I’m so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. I see that my life is the poorer for not knowing him. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Carrette says
Ray sold me my first car when I was 15 and we were friends after that for nearly 25 years through cars, bowling and my husband. There was no finer storyteller, or more honest advisor. We will miss him everyday and that million kilowatt smile. I’ll always be proud to be Rayette!
Mike Meredith says
Ray was the best friend I could ever have.
He was a loyal, generous “brother “ that my mother was happy to claim as a member of our family. Craig, and I shared coffee with him nearly every day for 35+ years and to say he will be missed is a gross understatement, but what else can we say? His love, kindness, caring, and generosity toward Kay, Jana, Dan , Caitlin and Hannah and his friends are examples of how we should all treat those that we love.
Rest In Peace good friend.
Rusty Wrigg says
RiP Ray, Happy Journeys
Connie Clark says
Dear Kay
Ray was more like an Uncle to me rather than a cousin, on account of the age difference! So now all the Williams men I knew as a child are gone! He was the last of them! And like most of us do when a loved one passes, I wish I had spent more time with him. I will always be grateful for the time he took when he came out to Vancouver and spent the evening with Tim’s and my family, on a couple different occasions! He cared about family and it was evident! I love seeing his smile in the photo here!! My love and sympathy to you and yours during this sad time!
With Love,
Connie Williams (Knapp) Clark
Ivy Robertson says
Kay, I am so very sorry about Ray’s passing. You and your family are in my heart and prayers.
Lynn Maciver says
Kay,
I send much love to you. As many others have expressed, Ray was a kind and genuine man. I am deeply grateful to have had him as a friend and sometimes surrogate Dad. I will never forget his kindnesses to me and my family over the years. I will miss his hugs and stories and warm smile. I am so very sad that I did not make the effort to go down to that coffee shop more often, but will clutch on to my last memory of seeing him at Christmas. ❤️
Tom Keegan says
Dear Kay and Jana, We are so sorry for your loss. Barbara and I are out of the country for an extended time so will not be attending the service, but our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ray was truly one of the good guys. Tom and Barbara Keegan
Teresa Graham says
Kay and Janna, I am so very sorry to learn of the loss of Ray. What a kind and gentle soul. Will miss running into him and seeing his warm genuine smile. I love you both and hope you memories of this special man bring you peace.
Susan Andersen says
Kay and family, All I can say is “He was a very special man to lots of folks”, and will be missed. I will so miss my friend.
Nancy Morgan says
Kay and family,
John and I were very sadden to read that Ray had passed. We enjoyed our coffee time with him and many fun conversations. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
John and Nancy Morgan
Regan says
Although my interaction with Ray was limited, it was so apparent that he was an incredible human being. He brought joy and laughter to those around him and will be deeply missed in the community. My thoughts and condolences to his family.
Gerald and Marj Bollinger says
We are very sorry about Ray’s passing. Our condolences to you and your family.
Joan says
To Ray’s family : I am so sad to hear about Ray leaving us here on earth !! Can’t wait to join him some day on the golden streets of heaven, and talk with him about cars and life !! He was such a good man to me and my family!! He was the fatherly figure and friend I needed in Helena and I truly loved him with all my heart!!! God bless you all as you grieve his loss in your life! Love dearly, Joan Kelly Richardton, ND
Doug Olson says
Kay, I too am saddened to learn of Ray’s passing as he was an energizer to those he encountered. He was a straight shooter, fair in his business dealings, and a pleasure to know. He always spoke warmly of you and your daughter. While I moved to Minnesota years ago, I would stop by his Placer Motors lot when I was back visiting. He was truly a “giver” to others in many respects. May God’s love comfort you at this time. Doug Olson, Minneapolis.
Kenneth Cottrill says
Ray was a great friend. He loved life, was an asset to the community and a always a pleasure to be around. Linda and I are proud to call him friend and we will miss his smile. May he Rest In Peace and sell a car to St. Peter.
Ken and Linda Cottrill
Bill Moore says
was saddened to hear about ray a really great guy would always say hi to me cars seemed to be our thing
Lisa Nehl says
So sorry for your loss of Ray! Hanna and our daughter Weslee are great friends and I can say he definitely passed along some of his values to Hanna; she is a wonderful young lady and loyal friend. Weslee really liked Ray and spoke of him often. His service was a great testament to the life he lived! You definitely have some special memories that will hopefully help you through this difficult time.
God Bless!
All our thoughts and prayers to each and every one of you!
Lisa and Theo Nehl
Andrea Homier says
I have been so sad about the loss of this wonderful man who I spent little time with, but who loved the people I loved and was loved by people I love. His loving generosity flowed not only through his family, but an entire community. Thank you, Ray, for blessing us with your presence. Kay and Janna and family, thank you for letting me know Ray through you. I wish you peace in the days ahead. Prayers and blessings — Andrea
Isaac Ruggles says
My condolences to the entire Mills family. Ray was a bowling coach and team-mate to both myself and my father over the years. He will be missed. Peace and Love
Isaac