Raymond M. Jerrel passed away on January 12, 2023, at the age of 93. Raymond was born on November 23, 1929, the 9th of 10 children born to Jesse B. and Mary Jerrel. He was the first born after they moved from Henry County, Iowa to homestead in the Foundation community near Ismay, Montana. A few years later they moved to the Kinsey, Montana community. Raymond attended Custer County schools and graduated from Custer County High School.
Raymond grew up in Miles City. Raymond met the love of his life, Peggy Ellen Mace, while they were in high school. Raymond started driving trucks and went to high school in his spare time. On June 5, 1949, Raymond and Peggy were married. Once married, the two of them worked tirelessly to build a trucking business, often responding to phone calls at home 24/7 – whenever someone needed something he was there to help. Throughout his career Raymond built a thriving trucking company. He also managed a feed business, sold horse trailers, and had a highly regarded truck building/repair shop.
While Raymond loved trucking, he was able to achieve a major goal in his life when he purchased a ranch at Jordan in 1990. The ranch became his passion, and he put in countless hours working there. You could often find him out at the ranch building roads, repairing the corrals, or out in the pastures visiting with his favorite cow “Boss”. During this time he often stayed out at the ranch and Peggy would bring out meals for them to enjoy together.
In his later years, Raymond enjoyed starting his morning by meeting up with his buddies at the coffee shop to enjoy the lively conversation and dipping his favorite cinnamon roll in coffee each morning. When he wasn’t watching “Gunsmoke” or “M*A*S*H” it was not uncommon to find Raymond out at the “shop” chatting it up with his “cronies” as he called them, talking about truck repairs and sharing old stories about his days on the road. Raymond had a terrific sense of humor, a huge caring heart, and was very generous to those in need, especially children, such as sending kids to camp if their parents couldn’t pay for it, buying their uniforms for sports, etc. He had a nickname for everyone, and it brought him great joy to tease people and have them give him a bad time right back; he loved the banter. Raymond loved getting deals on almost anything, but particularly old antique trucks, truck parts, etc. and was always on the look-out for them no matter where Raymond and Peggy were travelling. He would often turn around and sell the items for much higher prices, much to his delight.
Raymond and Peggy were married 74 years and had a strong, loving bond. They enjoyed their family and many lifelong friends. They loved travelling. Some of their favorite excursions were an exclusive camp in Africa, New Zealand, various cruises, and regular trips to Mexico and Las Vegas with friends. They also enjoyed socializing and were members of the Sage Riders and the Miles City Club.
Raymond and Peggy welcomed Shawna into their lives in 1960 and David in 1962. They were loving parents who always put their children first.
Those who knew Raymond Jerrel were blessed by his presence in their lives. Raymond’s strong work ethic and giving nature touched many lives and was an example for all of us. He demonstrated kindness and charity toward many, particularly the underdog, often without anyone knowing who had done the good deed.
Raymond is survived by his two children David Jerrel (wife Sharla, son Corbin-deceased, and daughters McKinsey and Briar) and Shawna Jerrel Rothaus (husband Randy, sons Michael, Austin, and Jaryd). Raymond had 24 nieces and nephews, 64 great-nieces and nephews, 100 great-great nieces and nephews and 1 great-great-great niece. Raymond was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Ellen Mace Jerrel, grandson, Corbin, four nieces and nephews, four great-nieces and nephews, one great-great nephew and his nine siblings: Helen (Hans) Pedersen, Orville Jerrel, Dick Jerrel, Willis (Dorothy) Jerrel, John (Mabel) Jerrel, Dallas (MaryAnn) Jerrel, Harold Jerrel, Minnie (LaVern) Schmidt and Mary Ann (Lonnie) Johnson.
Raymond Jerrel leaves behind an enduring legacy based on his strong work ethic that enabled him to make his dream of owning his own ranch and a trucking business a reality, his caring nature to help others be successful, his belief in helping others in need, and by living his life loving those he cared about with all his heart. Raymond believed in the basic principles of how to live your life. We can all benefit from following basic principles.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 1:00-3:00 PM followed by a Funeral Service at 3:00 p.m. A Private Family Graveside will be held in the Custer County Cemetery.
Raymond personally requested that in lieu of flowers, friends would please consider a donation to Custer County Art Center or Range Riders Museum.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Saturday January 21, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
3:00 p.m.
Saturday January 21, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Saturday January 21, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
3:00 p.m.
Saturday January 21, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
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Bob and Rita George says
So sorry to hear this. I’ve known him for many years, lots of memories. Prayers for his family.
Deb Jerrel says
Rest in peace Uncle Raymond.💔Tthe family is all together now.💔💔💔
Marcy Stabler Parks says
Dave, Sharla, Shawna, and families, I am so sorry! Praying for all of you. Miles City lost a good man. Treasure your memories and share all the stories and smiles.
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
David and Char, so sorry for your loss. I m praying for u
Tayvee Steen says
Lots of Prayers for you all, may God hold you all tight and wrap his arms around you all!
Denise Johnson Craigen says
Uncle Raymond was definitely one of the good ones. I loved spending time with him and hearing his stories from back in the day. I loved hearing his memories of my grandparents and other Jerrel Aunts and Uncles. I’m thankful to have been able to spend time with him almost every summer since 2016. I know that he is in a better place and has already reunited with his beloved Peg, his precious Corbin, his parents and siblings; but I will miss him. Prayers and hugs to my cousins as they bury this amazing man and learn to live without him here on earth.
James Arneson says
Dave, I am sorry to hear you lost your dad, he is an amazing Man and was a pillar of the community. May God comfort you and your family with the best of memories now and always.
Jim
Jim & Cathy Bastian says
So Sorry! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bev (McDowell) Harris says
My father, Mac McDowell always thought the world of Ray. He had many good stories to tell about the shop and those early road trips with Dave
Richard Bonine says
Dave
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of your dad and his trucks coming to the ranch and hauling out our calves. I wish you and your family peace and comfort in this this sad and trying time.
Vikki Bradley says
Thoughts and prayers to the family. He was a great man.
Dianna Weiler says
Uncle Raymond you will be missed. End of a legacy. He was such a special guy!!! He sure missed Peg and his grandson Corbin. I would love to be present when they are united again. Rest in peace my precious uncle ♥️
Mark Browning says
Dave and family,
This marks the passing of a generation; sorry to hear this news. Your folks were “true-blue” good folks and contributed much to the community around and beyond Miles City.
Andy Mitzkus says
Sorry to hear of the old fella’s passing. I drove for Ray and David for several years and he and I got along well. Gonna miss him. RIP
Ron and Barbara Hunziker says
We will miss you Uncle Raymond
Vanna Lancaster Byrd says
My Dad and Uncle Keith always spoke highly of Ray. So sorry for your loss.
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Jim and Annalise Willson says
David and Shanna We are so sorry to hear about Raymond. I drove for RJI for 10 years. We have known Raymond for over 60 years. He was always a great source of information. I really enjoyed the last 10 years or so as Raymond and I had coffee together at the “Main Grind” most everyday. he always had some great stories to tell. when I drove for him and David, you were required to call in everyday that you were gone. when he was done talking to you he just hung up, and never said good bye. I got to see a lot of the U.S.A. Most frequently Tribune, Kansas as we hauled thousands of head of cattle for Bob Smith Ranches. We are sure gonna miss you Rest In Peace you sure deserve the rest!!!!!!
Jim and Annalise Willson
Bonnie mace says
I will miss you uncle Raymond. Rest in peace
Val Jones says
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your father and grandfather . Please know I am thinking and praying for you all.
Donna K Ronning says
Shawna and David: Sorry for your loss truly a wonderful man. I will never forget when he paid off a bet with that “cold hard cash”…always an original!
Kathy Damm Culy says
Shawna, David and family
May the memories carry you thru this sad time..Growing up in the Jerrel house hold (Kinda) I have many memories
Etched in my heart of Ray n Peg… He always called me fuzzy❤️Bless you all
Bill and Sharon Oftedal says
Raymond may be gone, but those stories we all have loved (even when we’d heard them before) will stay with us forever. He was one of a kind, and we all looked forward to time spent with him. And the contributions he and Peg made to this community and many of the residents here were priceless ! Miles City has lost another great guy–he’ll be missed by more people than he ever would have imagined !
Mary Ann Stockhill Liles says
To Ray & Peg’s family: He was quite the storyteller! Always enjoyed visits with both Ray and Peg; they were friends of our families for decades and well-respected in the area. May they have a wonderful reunion in Heaven. My thoughts are with you.
Mary Ann Liles
Kent and Marci Fandrich says
Dave and family
So sorry for your loss. I know he was a great father and grandfather. Try to remember the the good times. Prayers for you all.
Grant and Mary Olson says
Uncle Raymond you will be missed, Always enjoy the holidays with him . Loves and hugs to all the family
Greg Blind and Audrey Haumschild says
So sorry Sending Hugs and prayers David and family.
Mary Smith Roig says
So sorry for your loss. I miss Peggy too . I was a Olive Montana resident. I have fond memories of Ray and Peggy and other family stopping in to visit Jean and Chet. I remember he always made us kids laugh. I always remember him.and his trucks. As a kid we loved it when he would be driving through and honked the horn. prayers for the entire family.
David Johnson says
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Jerrel family. Ray was a great guy, may he rest in peace.
Bob & Cindy Flotkoetter says
Shawna and David, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Raymond. Praying 🙏 for you and your family.
Dennis Pluhar says
David and Shanna, Raymond was a great man…a legand…when I first met him he intimidated the heck out of me…kinda gruff….I was young then…over the years really got to know him…grizzly bear on the outside…teddy bear on the inside(big heart)…loved his stories…enjoyed my coffee times w/ him…RIP my friend…GOD BLESS U-ALL!!
Amy Schmidt Ray says
So sorry to hear about Ray’s passing. He was definitely one of a kind and a great neighbor to us Schmidt kids.
Joan Damm Smith says
Dear Shawna, David, and families, we are so sad to hear of your dad‘s passing and I am sure him and Peg are having a great reunion.
I have multiple memories of him coming home for lunch with drivers and helping Peg cook and put it out. (It’s Where I learn to cook really )LOL …. He called me fuzzy too….
I know you all have too many memories to even process right now, but they are with you forever and ever. I know mine are❤️
God bless.
Tom Killham says
What a great man and good friend for many years. Will always miss the advice and suggestions he would have for me. Society lost a good one sure.
Pam Rogge says
Prayers and condolences to the Jerrel family at this time and in the days
Pam Rogge says
Prayers and condolences to the Jerrel family at this time and in the days to come.
D'Ann Witcher says
David and family my deepest sympathies May God comfort you
Darcy Huckins Corbridge says
Shawna, David, and family, I’m so sorry for the loss of your dad and grandfather. He had a long life that was well lived. Sadly, Miles City has lost another pillar of the community. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Dee Bickle says
So sorry for your loss!
Joekenworth Hanna says
Dave ,Shanna and families
Sorry to hear. About your father.
Lots of memories.Never any dull
Moments.
Joe Hanna says
Dave ,Shanna and families
Sorry to hear. About your father.
Lots of memories.Never any dull
Moments.
Grant and Mary Olson says
We will miss you Uncle Raymond , always enjoyed your visits during the holidays. Rest in Peace.
Curt and Kate Terrett says
So sorry for your loss.
Cori Hanel Brubaker says
Dave and Shawna and families, sorry for your loss. We are all so lucky to have had our parents as long as we did, its never easy saying goodbye.
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
shorty &Judy says
So sorry for your loss Raymond was one kind of a guy he will be missed dearly
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Richard and LInda Meidinger says
Dave and family, Sorry to hear my friend Raymond is gone. If you wanted to learn how to work all you had to do was be around Ray Jerrel. Drove for Ray for 6 years enjoyed every minute of it.
Your all in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.
John Lantis says
David, sorry about the loss of your Dad. As a kid I rode a lot of miles with ray and drove a few, listened to many stories. One day at the shop a man came in and asked Ray if something could be fixed,Ray shuffled off and said” was it born”. Ray was full of knowledge,. Will be missed greatly.
Chuck and Peggy Steadman says
We are thinking of you and your family during this time, Ray was a true friend and a great asset to Miles City and our community!
les graham says
ray was a great strong person. I always remember when he had trucks backed up loading calves at the ranch at locate. I even road to miles city a few times with him. good friend of my dads. god bless you ray.
Barb and Jim Nelstead says
Dave, Shawna and the Jerrel family.,
We are sorry to see the loss of your father. What an interesting life he led and privilege to had him with you this long. There is a hole when they leave and until we see them again. But I am sure that he received a big MC welcome from those that have passed before us.
Thoughts and prayers for both Ray, Peggy and your families!
Michael Carr says
David and Shawna. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. You have my deepest heartfelt sympathy. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers…..
John Munsell says
Ray was a trusted and reliable business “associate” with many folks, hauling livestock into our facility and numerous others. But he was also an all-around nice guy. Ray & Peg were a remarkable couple in our community.
LOIS PARMENTER says
David, Shawna and families: I send my deepest sympathy to all of you. Raymond was a great business man, and so good to deal with.
May God bless all of you and grant you peace of mine.
Lois
Stabler Hazel says
David and Shauna. So sorry for your loss. Bob and Kenny both thought a lot of him and enjoyed the camaradery of trucking. I also enjoyed seeing him and listening to his quick wit at the coffee shop. He will be missed.
Frances Mace Dudley Mason says
Sorry we wont be there to say good bye. Your in my heart and always have been. I will always miss you and Peg. Thank you for everything you have done for me, and all our family. Rest in peace.
Frances Mace Dudley Mason says
Sorry we wont be there to say good bye. Your in my heart and always have will . Thank you for everything you have done for me, and family. Rest in peace.
Frances Mace Dudley Mason says
Wish we were there to say goodbye. Your in my heart and will miss you. Thanks for all you have done for our family.
Kevin Donnelly says
I didn’t know him but from what I heard of him he was a man of God. Definitively a strong part of Miles City.
Miles City’s loss and Heavens gain.
My prayers to the family.
Jim & Debbie French says
Dear David, Shawna & Families – We were saddened to hear of the passing of your father. What a legend & icon he was to the Miles City community. Being the wonderful person he was, he will be missed. The loss of a great Dad is a tough one but oh all the memories you can treasure in your heart forever. Our hearts go out to you. Please know you’re in our thought but mostly prayers as you traverse this most difficult time.
Larry French says
RIP Ray. I dumped many hopper loads of wheat into your truck in the 60s. What great fun and enjoyed working with you. I remember you well.
Joe Bramhall says
David, Shawna, and Jerrel Family: I have so many great memories and stories from my time working at RJI and the Ranch. I like many others truly valued Raymond’s knowledge, wisdom, and sense of humor. Both of your parents were top notch. Rest Easy
Barb Smalis says
So sorry for your loss of Raymond. He made the world a better place for everyone who ever was privileged to know him. May God hold you in his hand and help with the loss
Loree Ulrich Jeffers says
Shawna, so sorry for the loss of your dad. It’s hard losing our parents, they were from such a great generation of hard workers. I pray that you all can find comfort in the memories that you share.