Ray Richard Batey of the Forsyth/Rosebud area passed away on August 23, 2020 at the age of 91. Ray was born on December 8, 1928 in Forsyth, Montana. He spent his youth on the Rosebud Creek Ranch and was educated in the Rosebud School District. The family moved to Bozeman where Ray graduated from high school. He attended Montana State College and later returned to the ranch. He married Thaida Snodgrass on February 2, 1952. They raised their family together and lived on the Rosebud Creek until 1999 when the ranch sold. They moved to Forsyth where they enjoyed their retirement.
Ray was an active member of his community. He spent many years serving the Rosebud School Board, Range Telephone and Mid Electric as a board member. Ray was a Shriner and a founding member of Rosebud Round-up 4-H Club.
Ray enjoyed golfing, bowling, cow cutting, and playing cards. Ray and Thaida owned and operated the Batey Charolais Ranch for 50 years. He took great pride in ranching. He was one of the top Charolais Breeders in the nation.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, George and Bernice (Noyes) Batey; wife Thaida (Snodgrass) Batey of 65 years; sisters, Eva Jean Worf and Mary Ann Borer. He is survived by his son, Dee (Shelly) of Bozeman; daughter, Cindy Lebie of Las Vegas, Nevada/Forsyth, and grandchildren, Devon, Jordan (Natasha), Amanda, Meghan, Briane, and George.
The Batey family would like to thank the staff at the Rosebud Healthcare Center for the excellent care he received over the last two years.
Ray will be remembered for his quick wit and his love for his grandchildren. He entertained many friends with his singing and dancing. Ray was deeply loved by his family and will be missed.
Services will take place at a later date.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Flint Fleming says
Prayers for Dee , Cindy and their families! RIP Ray thank you for being a great friend of my family!
Clarisse Roos says
Batey Family,
Ray was the BEST! He and dad were such great friends and the two couples had so much fun together. I hope you know what a positive impact he made to so many, many people. He will live on in the wonderful memories that we all have of his deep thunderous laugh and warm-heartedness. My thoughts are with all of you. Rest in Peace Ray!
Kay Davis Berdahl says
Dee, Cindy and families, sorry for your loss!
Diana says
Sending my condolences to Cindy and Dee and their family, may the good times stay with you in memories.
Paula Coate says
Batey Family,
I got to meet Ray later and have had such a good time getting to know him and all his family! Ray taught me to play poker, which is to say, he told me quietly at the poker table which cards to play. I wasn’t very good at it but just really lucky so after a while he just leaned over and said, “Shoot, I’ll give you $50 just to sit here and be lucky!”. Much love to all of you!
Joan Coate Jellison says
Dee and Cindi, your parents were great people.
I went to school in Rosebud while Thaida was there. My best memories of Ray was his friendship with my brother Al.
Great times were had out at the ranch on the Rosebud Creek.
My thoughts are with your family.
Laurie Lelm says
So sorry Cindy and family. He was a sweet man I am glad I got to know him.
Brian & Peggy (Quinlan) Certain says
Dear Dee & Cindy & families,
I always loved spending the night with Janice at Ray and Thaida’s. They were always so kind to me.
They had a beautiful place that was lots of fun to explore. God’s peace be with you at this time.
Keith & Brenda Stabelfeldt says
Prayers Dee & Cindy. Ray was always good to me. A pleasant man that leaves me with good memories.
Jonnie Gilbert Taylor says
So sorry for your loss.
Diane Welbes says
I wish I had the words to lighten your agony but sometimes words are just not enough. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jacalynn Parks says
Sending prayers and condolences! He was such a wonderful man and raised a great family! So glad I was able to know him. Love you all!
Candace Schmidt-O'Dell says
Cindy, I’m so sorry to hear this terrible news. My heart aches for you, the kids, and for family and friends that are missing him already. I’ll be praying for peace and comfort for all of you.
With my Love,
Candy
Robin Tooke says
Cindy, Dee and families,
I was sad to see that Ray had passed away. Please accept my sympathy and prayers for your family during this sad time. John and I were honored to have Ray and Thaida as friends and clients. Ray and John won the Cowtown Classic golf tournament twenty four years ago in Miles City. They had some good times golfing and playing poker. So many happy memories! Rest in peace Ray.
Julia Ferguson says
Cindy Dee and family so sorry for your loss Day was a great person always enjoyed visiting with him
Dale & Tammy Bjerke says
Dale and I are so sad hearing that Uncle Ray passed away. But he is with his beloved Thaida again. We hope there will be comfort for all of you at this difficult time. Dale always remembers the summers he spent with you on the ranch. Hugs to all of you!! Love you all!!
Kay Crosby Dooley says
Dee/Shelly, Cindy
So very sorry to hear of your Dads passing. People always stood a little straighter in Rays company, because they knew they were with a man of honor an integrity.
He made the world a better place. I know he passed these traits on to you and your children – and what he stood for still stands. With heartfelt sympathy – Kay
Debbie Dumler says
My heart goes out the Batey family. He is the one person I have say I missed when we moved from Forsyth. Always said hello to everyone and was a sweet kind person which will be greatly missed. May the Lord be with each family member through this
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
My sincere sympathy in your loss of Ray. May your many good memories comfort and keep you during this time of grief.
Dean B Holmes says
A life well lived. Ray always the pillar in the Forsyth and Rosebud communities. Are prayers are with the family.
Carol Plympton says
Our hearts and prayers are with you all. ❤🙏
Love from Rocky and Carol
Janice Gannon says
I was blessed to know Ray and Thaida and grew to love them. I will miss my reading buddy. I enjoyed holidays with him and going out to dinner in Rosebud with him and his beautiful daughter and my dear friend, Cindy. He opened his home to us and was the sweetest kindest man always. What a great reunion in heaven with his beloved wife and parents and family. RIP and know you will be missed until we are together again.
Andrita Harris says
Deepest sympathy and Condolences to Batey Family. So sorry for your loss. RIP
Lance and Candace Larson says
So sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. I have fond memories of visiting the Batey ranch with Dad. Ray and Dee were always so accommodating and kind. Know that we are praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Liz Ball says
Dee, Cindy and family,
I have so many wonderful memories of Ray. He never failed to make me smile when I saw him. He made Thursday night golf and poker afterwards an enjoyable evening of work for me. Later years I would run into him at the post office on his “mini motorcycle “ and he would ask about my day and always say it was good to see me. Rest In Peace my friend. Hugs and prayers to you all 💜
Bill and Jody Wallick says
Sorry to hear of Rays passing. He was a hard working Cowboy and a true gentleman.
Connie Brown says
Dee, Shelly, Cindy and the rest of Ray’s family; sorry for your families loss. Hold tight to your memories. May God give you strength in your loss.
Lois M Morrison says
My love and prayers to all of you wonderful Batey family. There are so many happy memories of the fun times with Ray and Thaida . The pinochle card nights, the travels to the Pryor Mountain area, with the 3 men up front and us 3 women in the back camper shell {with the cooler}. the fun brandings, the 4th of July celebrations, the Friday nights at the club. I miss those good times with my friends. May God be with you in this difficult time. Love and Prayers, Dolly Morrison
Tom & Bina says
We’ve known the family for years and they don’t come any finer. Ray and Thaida were like parents to me and I have many fond memories. He will be missed. Didn’t know he was a fine vocalist, apparently that trait didn’t pass down to his favorite son.
Our thoughts are with all of the family, they are one in a million.
Barb Albers says
I’m thinking of all of you. May the good memories comfort your families.
Joyce Davis says
Dee, Cindy and family, Thinking of you In this time of loss and grief. It’s hard to lose a parent and Ray was an extraordinary parent and person! I am sure you got your sense of humor and love of people from him and your mom! I remember many early morning breakfasts hosted by your parents after prom, and football end of season gatherings. They know how to celebrate and to enjoy life, and to work hard. Take care of yourselves during this time. Joyce
Ed and Jana Copps says
Dee,Shelly, and family
We are sending you our deepest sympathy and condolences for your loss. You are very special
people!
Joe and Loy Martens says
Dee, Cindy and families,
Our deepest sympathy. It’s hard to lose a Dad and Grandpa. May you have good memories to get you through this time.
Mary Roig says
I’m so sorry for your loss . my mom is Ellen WallinSmith . She didnt know until I found out this week. God be with your family.