Raymond Lea Stewart, age 85, of Miles City, passed away July 12, 2014 at Holy Rosary Health Center.
Ray was born February 4, 1929 in Ekalaka, MT to Leslie Stewart and Susan Billingsley. He attended school in Ekalaka and as a young boy living with his Uncle Slim Billingsley he broke horses and herded sheep. Later he worked as a custodian at the Milligan Hotel, drove cab, worked construction building highways across Montana to North Dakota. He also was a lineman for Mid-Rivers, cut meat for the 600 Café buffet and was a hunting guide.
Raymond met and married Annaliese Hurt in 1947 while he was on his three tours of duty with the U.S. Army in Germany. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Ray and Annie returned home from Germany in 1948 and settled for a short time in Ekalaka, MT. In 1949, they moved to Miles City, where Ray and Annie raised their family. Annie preceded him in death on November 20, 2004. He married Ruthann “Happy” Higbee on February 9, 2013 in Miles City.
Ray was an usher and very active in the Sacred Heart Parish as well as a life member of the VFW, American Legion and Teamsters Union.
In addition to his parents, Ray is preceded in death by his wife Annie; son Dennis, grandson Kelley and two brothers.
He is survived by his wife Happy of Miles City; son Raymond Leslie Stewart of Helena, MT; daughter Diana (Bert) Poirier of New Hampshire and Florida; daughter-in-law Kori Stewart of Great Falls, MT; step-children Trixie (Dustin) Muggli of Miles City, Bruce (Melissa) Higbee of Baker, Will Higbee of Miles City, Don (BeLinda) Higbee of Glendive and Josh Higbee of Miles City. He is also survived by his brother John (Carole) Stewart of Gardner, ND, 15 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2014 with family to receive friends from 4:00pm to 6:00pm and a rosary at 6:00pm. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 25, 2014 at 10:00am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery with full military rites provided by VFW Post 1579.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday July 24, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday July 24, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Friday July 25, 2014
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday July 24, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday July 24, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Friday July 25, 2014
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Diane Welbes says
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing, just know he is with Our Lord now, and what a great place to be. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Melissa Hartman says
We wish to express our deepest sympathy for the passing of Ray. He always had a smile when I saw him at Mass! You have our thoughts and prayers with you and may all of your memories of him be a continued source of comfort.
Melissa
Teresa Geib Bacon says
I am so sorry for your loss I remember the 600 days and much more. Prayers for you all.
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Raymond Lea Stewart – It was never the Creator’s purpose for mankind to suffer (Romans 5:12). May God give you peace through his promise to comfort us (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). We are promised a time when no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 33:24). Cherish all the happy memories of your loved one and I hope that you are consoled by Bible assurances of a hopeful future (John 17:3).