Home > United States of America > Montana > Yellowstone County > Laurel > Saint Anthony Catholic Cemetery > Raymond Ellery “Ray” Michels

Raymond Ellery “Ray” Michels

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Birth	:	24 Oct 1921 Acton, Yellowstone County, Montana, USA
Death	:	17 Sep 2012 Laurel, Yellowstone County, Montana, USA
Burial	:	Saint Anthony Catholic Cemetery, Laurel, Yellowstone County, USA
Coordinate	:	45.6939650, -108.7685320
Description	:	Ray Michels, age 90, of Laurel, passed away from a stroke on Sept. 17, 2012. Ray was born to Lydia and Francis Michels and grew up at Acton. He graduated from Broadview High School where he could not stop talking about being on the basketball team. He enlisted in the Army during World War II and became trained in automotive repair. He rose to the rank of Sergeant and supervised his own motor pool. He later worked under an inspecting general for the Army Air Corps. After the Army he worked at Hines Motor Supply, and Loren Anderson Drilling Co. Eventually... Read More	Ray Michels, age 90, of Laurel, passed away from a stroke on Sept. 17, 2012. Ray was born to Lydia and Francis Michels and grew up at Acton. He graduated from Broadview High School where he could not stop talking about being on the basketball team. He enlisted in the Army during World War II and became trained in automotive repair. He rose to the rank of Sergeant and supervised his own motor pool. He later worked under an inspecting general for the Army Air Corps. After the Army he worked at Hines Motor Supply, and Loren Anderson Drilling Co. Eventually Ray bought one of the drilling rigs from Loren and became a water well drilling contractor, drilling wells throughout the Yellowstone valley and surrounding area. While working at Hines Motor he met Louise Jacobs, who was working next-door as a "McKesson girl." They were married in 1948. This was a "city girl" who became the love of his life and she became fully integrated as his partner on the ranch. In 1957, he purchased a ranch outside of Laurel. He expanded the quality and size of the operation and became a full-time stockman. Later the ranch became known as Rawhide Ranch. Many groups enjoyed the Rawhide Ranch including the Boy Scouts, Black Powder groups and the Laurel Saddle Club, and the filmmakers of "Return to Lonesome Dove." Besides ranching, he also loved welding. Many of his welding innovations are still in use today. As a young man he saw Pres. Roosevelt electrify rural Montana. He thought that this was one of the most important improvements for the well-being of people in rural areas. He joined the Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative, and eventually became a director and board president, serving 31 years on the board. He truly loved serving in this role, many times attending meetings and events and supporting this organization. He is survived by children, Colette (AJ) Spurlock of Baldwin City, Kan., Claudine (Jack) O'Connor, Ismay, Frank (Mary Jo) Michels, Billings, Fred (Loretta) Michels, Shepherd, Flint (Bobbi) Michels, Goodyear, Ariz., and niece Raenel (Rick) Larson of Woodland, Wash. He is survived by 21 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank special friend Judy Dustin and also his personal physician Steve Gerstner. Ray was preceded in death by his mother and father, Lydia and Frank Michels; stepfather, John Uhrich; spouse Louise Jacobs Michels; brother Arnault Michels; daughter Claire Michels; and great-granddaughter Maggie Manas. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Yellowstone Valley Electric, P.O. BOX 249, Huntley, MT, 59037, Attention to: Ray Michels Memorial Scholarship. A prayer service will be at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary in Billings on Sunday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m., with visitation from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The funeral service will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Laurel on Monday, Sept. 24, at 10 a.m. Rite of Committal with Military Honors will follow at St. Anthony's Cemetery in Laurel. Michelotti-Sawyers is in charge of arrangements and remembrances

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Raymond Ellery “Ray” Michels's memorial?
Raymond Ellery “Ray” Michels's memorial is located at: Saint Anthony Catholic Cemetery, Laurel, Yellowstone County, USA.
When did Raymond Ellery “Ray” Michels death?
Raymond Ellery “Ray” Michels death on 17 Sep 2012 in Laurel, Yellowstone County, Montana, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Raymond Ellery “Ray” Michels's memorial?
Latitude: 45.6939650
Longitude: -108.7685320

Family Members:

Spouse

Louise Mary “Lou” Jacobs Michels

(1925 - 1995)

Children

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Saint Anthony Catholic Cemetery
Laurel, Yellowstone County, USA
Coordinate: 45.6939650, -108.7685320

2. Laurel Cemetery
Laurel, Yellowstone County, USA
Coordinate: 45.6944008, -108.7692032

3. Yellowstone National Cemetery
Laurel, Yellowstone County, USA
Coordinate: 45.6962050, -108.7726520

4. Pioneer Cemetery
Stillwater County, USA
Coordinate: 45.6575012, -108.8944016

5. Cooke Cemetery
Billings, Yellowstone County, USA
Coordinate: 45.7035500, -108.6184500

6. Park City Cemetery
Park City, Stillwater County, USA
Coordinate: 45.6247120, -108.9165690

7. Terrace Gardens Cemetery
Billings, Yellowstone County, USA
Coordinate: 45.7733900, -108.6009160

8. Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park
Billings, Yellowstone County, USA
Coordinate: 45.7843370, -108.6072460

9. Holy Cross Cemetery
Billings, Yellowstone County, USA
Coordinate: 45.7400017, -108.5552979

10. Sunset Memorial Gardens
Billings, Yellowstone County, USA
Coordinate: 45.7710991, -108.5622025

11. Mountview Cemetery
Billings, Yellowstone County, USA
Coordinate: 45.7667007, -108.5588989

12. Beth Aaron Cemetery
Billings, Yellowstone County, USA
Coordinate: 45.7770200, -108.5589710

13. Calvary Cemetery
Billings, Yellowstone County, USA
Coordinate: 45.7780991, -108.5597000

14. Absaroka Beartooth Columbarium
Billings, Yellowstone County, USA
Coordinate: 45.7708800, -108.5355600

15. Saint Stephens Episcopal Church Columbarium
Billings, Yellowstone County, USA
Coordinate: 45.7924000, -108.5478000

16. Rockvale Cemetery
Rockvale, Carbon County, USA
Coordinate: 45.4888770, -108.8626350

17. Luther Sage Kelly Gravesite
Billings, Yellowstone County, USA
Coordinate: 45.7980000, -108.4888000

18. Boothill Cemetery
Billings, Yellowstone County, USA
Coordinate: 45.8025017, -108.4800034

19. Riverside Cemetery
Yellowstone County, USA
Coordinate: 45.8218994, -108.4449997

20. Joliet Cemetery
Joliet, Carbon County, USA
Coordinate: 45.4799995, -108.9985962

21. Carbonado Cemetery
Joliet, Carbon County, USA
Coordinate: 45.4585991, -109.0139008

22. Helm Memorial Cemetery
Yellowstone County, USA
Coordinate: 45.9888992, -108.7750015

23. Vermandel Ranch Cemetery
Billings, Yellowstone County, USA
Coordinate: 45.7057200, -108.3378200

24. Plenty Coups State Park Cemetery
Pryor, Big Horn County, USA
Coordinate: 45.4287870, -108.5491920