Raymond was born on July 28, 1971 the son of Richard Campbell and Catherine (Whistling Elk) Flores in Billings, MT. Raymond graduated from Central High School in Kalamazoo, MI. and he attended Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI. He lived in Ann Arbor, MI and worked as a security guard in a casino.
He was married to Angel Belonga for 19 years and was a proud father to his son Shadow.
Raymond loved music and he sang "Wind beneath My Wings" at the Allegan County Fair. He was a drummer and singer in the Tribal Circle in Mt. Pleasant, MI. He was also a volunteer fireman. He was very artistic and loved to draw and paint. Raymond was very traditional; he was a member of the Catholic Church, loved Pow-Wow´s, Native music and bead work. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors.
He is now with Our Lord, his infant son Shadow, his brother Toby Castro Belonga, Grandma Lillian Three Fingers, Grandparents John White Hawk and Josephine Whistling Elk and Great Grandparents John and Carrie Whistling Elk.
Raymond is survived by his Mom and Dad, Vince and Catherine Flores of Billings, MT., his brother Joseph Castro of Grand Rapids, MI., his Grandmother Mae Whistling Elk of Lame Deer, MT., several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Wake service will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 7:00pm at the Christ the King Catholic Church in Busby, MT. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 11:00am at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Lame Deer, MT. Interment will follow at the Whistling Elk Family Cemetery in Busby, MT. A luncheon will follow at the Boys & Girls Club in Lame Deer, MT. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth has been entrusted with these arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Ann (Strange Owl) & Porter Knows His Gun & Family says
For my big sis; We are all at a loss & sorrow for Ray leaving us … but know that he suffers no more. I know in my heart he was blessed for who he was, where he was and his journey home to Rest in Peace has finally been done. What memories we had of him will be cherished for life… Love you!
Joel Studebaker says
Ray Ray was a clubhouse member where I am the manager in Mt Pleasant, Michigan. He was an active and valued member of our clubhouse and will be sorely missed for his outstanding sense of humor, care of other people, teaching us about some of the ways of Native Americans and for the examples he set for facing great challenges and struggling to keep going and seeking meaning and purpose in life.
I will forever miss his great English accent impersonation, his animation and playfulness in daily life, and (what I just learned) of his history with music, firefighting, and artistic skills. Even though I knew him only 2-3 years, his person was slowly being revealed to me and I am grateful to get to know him better.
We toast his life and will not forget him. His sufferings have now passed…
michelle moore says
sorry for your loss
Tim Henkes says
Sorry For YourbLoss He Will Be Missed
Heather Curran says
although I was just getting to know Ray Ray I will miss him greatly.
vickie wright says
god bless your little heart