Raymond "Ray" Clinton Montgomery Obituary (1938 - 2019)

Raymond Clinton Montgomery, born March 17, 1938, passed away at home on January 3, 2019. Ray was surrounded by the people who loved him the most. He was 80 years young. Ray was born in Bowmont, Idaho to James Arthur and Inez Ethel Hill Montgomery. He spent the majority of his life in Melba, Idaho going to school, farming, running a dairy and raising a family. Ray enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting. One of his true passions was participating in the Melba trap shoots. He competed in many trap shoots in Melba and throughout the valley. Ray was a competitive shooter, winning many events. Even though Dad was handicapped with one of his eyes, he was still a great shot. Another hobby was working in his meat shop. Friends and family benefited from his love of supplying select choice meats. He would prepare smoked turkeys, sausages, and would cut up wild game. Ray married Lola May Stansbury on February 2, 1956. From this union was born 5 children: Vern Arthur, Terry Howard, Tina Lyn, Danny Ray, Candy Marie. Ray and Lola were together for 23 years. April 5 1995 Ray married Betty Cowdell. They enjoyed many years together making long lasting memories. Ray was preceded in death by his father Art; mother Inez; brother James Dee; sons: Terry, Vern and Danny. He is survived by his wife Betty; daughter Tina (Michael) Taylor; daughter Candy (Norm) Byrne; stepdaughters: Loretta, LaNae, Lory, LaDean and their families; granddaughter Kami (Andy) Taylor; grandson Dustyn (Sonya) Deakins; grandson Aaron (Ashley) Deakins; granddaughter Brandi (Evan) Powers; grandson Adam (Sheila) Hagaman; granddaughter Danielle (Michael) Stanley; grandson Jeremy Rushing; and grandson Jacob (Tiffany) Byrne. Dad also had many life-long friends: Jerry Phillips, Cash Mitchell, Guy Givens, Paul Jesenko, Larry Nelson, Lee Cook, Frank Compte, Drake Heiner and many others. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 11, at the Melba Cemetery on Baseline Road. Arrangements by Zeyer Funeral Chapel, Nampa. 208-467-7300 Condolences may be expressed at zeyerfuneralchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Ray's name to the Melba Fire - EMS department.