Raymond (Ray) Nickolas Schell
In the early evening of January 2, 2022 our dad, Ray Schell passed away after a five-year battle with cancer.
Dad was born in Orrin, North Dakota on December 26, 1936 to Joseph V. and Mary M. (Senger) Schell. Dad remembers moving to East Helena as a small child, and riding the train filled with WWII soldiers that were coming home. He attended St. Ann’s Catholic grade school and graduated from Cathedral High School. He served in the Army from 1955 to 1958. Dad liked to remind us he was in Alaska before it was a State.
Dad married our mom, Gayle (Nordahl) Howard on October 25, 1958. They later divorced but remained friends. Together they raised seven children. Dad was always on the go, rarely sitting down unless a football game was on! He was often found in his garage tinkering on cars, and using his ingenuity to modify, change or improve everyday items. His devotion to his children was unparalleled; he built us a playhouse, go-carts from things he had scavenged, and hauled us to Omoksees despite not having a love of horses himself. Dad became an avid four-wheeler and enjoyed poker runs, or just riding around in the mountains with a friend, one of us kids, his grandkids, or in-laws.
Dad worked for the State of Montana, Unemployment Security Division for 30 year and was one of the first computer programmers. He was active in Jaycees for many years, and was always a devout and faithful Catholic.
Dad is survived by his daughters; Theresa (Shawn) Jackson, Irene (Mark) Bushnell, Laura Bjerke, Denise (Dean) Sowers, Donna (Don) Driver, Mary (Rick) Baker, and his son David (Carrie) Schell; 21 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren. Dad is survived by his sister, Betty Didriksen, brother, Fred (Lorraine) Schell, sister-in-law, Bertha Schell, brother-in-law, Peter Petek, numerous other relatives, and his special friend Mary Bullman. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Glen Ray, his parents, siblings Edward, Joseph, Rosemary and Catherine, and son’s-in-law; Brett Bjerke and Ken Lewing, and his friend Jim O’Connor.
Please join us for a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Cyril & Methodius Church at 12:00pm on Friday, January 14, 2022. Rosary will be at 11:35am before Mass. Interment following the funeral at St. Ann’s Cemetery in East Helena with a reception at the church.
Thank you for all your cares and concerns.
Service Schedule
Rosary
11:35 a.m.
Friday January 14, 2022
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Funeral Mass
12 p.m.
Friday January 14, 2022
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Mass
Friday January 14, 2022
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helana, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday January 14, 2022
SS Cyril and Methodius
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Rosary
11:35 a.m.
Friday January 14, 2022
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Funeral Mass
12 p.m.
Friday January 14, 2022
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Mass
Friday January 14, 2022
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helana, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday January 14, 2022
SS Cyril and Methodius
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Linda Schell Wier says
I remember my visits to East Helena with my brothers. Uncle Ray would always find us and take us to the penny candy store. After taking forever to pick our candy an ice cream cone was always waiting for us. Thank you for letting me share this. Love Linda
Doug Stipcich says
To the entire Schell Clan.
I am saddened to learn of your father’s recent passing. Though I have not seen any of you for years and years, there is still the East Helena tie that causes me to pause a minute or two when I learn of things like this. Hope that all of you can find some peace in knowing your father lived a wonderful life and that you blessed him with a long legacy to follow. RIP Mr. Schell.
Joe Schell says
Our condolences on the passing of Uncle Ray. I have fond memories of the time spent in my youth with my dad’s (Joe’s) brother. There was the birthday gift of a toy helicopter, games of whist with Dad and Mom that went well into the evening, and a visit to his home in East Helena five or six years ago when he enjoyed catching us up on his children and their families. I also remember listening to the stories of the adventures of Dad and Uncle Ray in their childhood. Uncle Ray’s laughter and good cheer were genuine, his care and support memorable, and his love will simply live on in his family, friends, and beyond. With our love, Joe Schell, Xee, Anna, and Abby, Bothell, WA
Lynae Oelke says
Laura- I am so sorry to hear about your dad. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Jannine Turner says
Very sweet, kind, thoughtful and compassionate gentleman. We are so sorry for his loss.
Angela Dupuis says
My condolences to all of Ray’s family. I have many memories of him as a kid, including dumping buckets of dirt off a conveyor belt while helping dig out the basement he built.
I always enjoyed running into him on our rare trips back to Helena.
Debbie Kcokler says
Dave and Carrie
My condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Scott St. Clair says
Schell Family, I did not know Ray anymore than a neighbor in recent years. He was the best neighbor anyone could ask for. He helped keep an eye on things, was always willing to stop and chat. Ray seemed like a very organized proud person, his yard was always kept up, constantly making improvements to his yard and house. His vehicles were always clean. I used to envy him and Jimmy heading out for a day in the hills on the ATVs. he definitely enjoyed it. He will be missed by the neighborhood. My thoughts are with you. RIP my friend, Scott
Vonnie Jenkins says
So sorry for your loss. You’re in my thoughts and prayers!
Tina Schell Pike says
I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Ray’s passing…he and his entire family were there in so many memories of my early life with Dad (Joe), Mom (Mary Ann) and my brothers, Joe and Jamie. The weekends spent as another of Uncle Ray’s “girls” as I wandered down the alley from my Grandmother’s house to see my cousins; seeing everyone at the Sky-Hi Drive-In in the snack bar picking up popcorn or settled into station wagons for the movie; watching Uncle Ray and Dad learn to program the new IBM computer that needed its own room because it was so large back in the early 70’s; but mostly remembering Uncle Ray’s amazing laugh, smile and infectious delight at the everyday joys of life. He will be missed by many but remembered always. Uncle Ray will be reunited with God and his brothers and sisters who have passed before him and for that we rejoice…may you all find inner peace as you share your smiles with your family and think of Uncle Ray. With love and prayers, Tina Schell Pike
John Larson says
Ray was always a warm kind man. He always had a smile and a kind ward whenever I saw him at mass. He will be greatly missed.
Bob and Barb Wilson says
Dave and Carrie, our thoughts and prayers are with you during these hard times. If he was anything like Dave I’m sure he was one heck of a nice guy and easy to be around.