Walter “Ray” Horne Passed away on his 84th birthday while outside doing some of the things he loved: taking care of his animals and doing chores.
Ray was born on December 28, 1930 to Warren and Irma Horne; he was born the second of twins (Jay being the other twin). They were born on a cold winter day, in the house located at the Round Grove Ranch after their mother prepared breakfast for 10 hired men.
Ray attended school at Johnson Schoolhouse, Townsend, and White Sulphur Springs
Ray married the love of his life, Betty Fandrich on June 20th, 1956 to which four children were born: Raymond Dean, Valerie Jean, Karen Kay, and Deena Rae.
Ray drove school bus for 42 years driving in Arlee School District for 2 years and 40 years for the Crow Creek and Townsend school districts, along with his wife Betty. He was a lifetime resident of Broadwater County and was known and treasured by so many in the community. Ray was an active charter member of the Broadwater County Lions Club where he received the Melvin Jones Fellow award among many others. What he enjoyed most about being a member was handing out flags to first graders. He was a 4H leader and took pride in teaching youth how to ranch and farm. He was a fantastic horse handler and took care of pigs, donkeys, horses, mules, cows, chickens, turkeys, and his peacocks. Through his whole life he was always a great hand and great friend to the Round Grove Ranch.
Ray knew no stranger and would carry on a conversation with anyone. Ray was full of stories, a real jokester, and enjoyed sharing his stories with anyone who would listen. He touched the hearts and lives of so many! His smile was infectious and had the warmest, most caring heart. He truly would drop everything, for anyone, without any questions.
Ray loved nothing more than spending time with his family and friends fishing, hunting, camping, cattle drives, branding, going for Sunday evening rides with Betty, or just being all together. This last hunting season, all of his grandchildren were there to go hunting with him and all of them got their elk. Ray spent his last days surrounded by his family celebrating Christmas, where everyone was together, just the way he wanted it. As Dad would say “I’m more tickled than a puppy with two peters”.
Ray is survived by his wife and soul mate of 58 years, Betty; his loving daughters: Valerie (Roy) Hornsveld, Karen Horne, Deena (Lonnie) Gobbs; and his beloved grandchildren: JR (Christine) Middlemas, Charity (Jason) Krebs, Lane (Azher Dunn) Gobbs, Casey (Kelley) Gobbs; and his great grandson and light of his life, Hogan Krebs, and also very special cousin Carol Dees. He is also survived by his sisters: Billie Thornes, Lorna Flynn, Cora Lee Horne, Gerry White, Sherry Gray, Vickie Cameron; and brothers: Jay Horne and Paddy Horne. He also leaves behind many other family members, nieces, nephews, cousins, “hunters”, and friends who were always family. He will also be missed by his four legged companion, Sassy.
Ray is preceded in death by his son Dean, his parents, two sisters Dorothy Nelson and Bonnie Burrow, and son-in-law David Middlemas.
Please join the family in celebrating Ray’s life and sharing all of the wonderful stories he has left behind. Funeral services will be held 1:00pm, Saturday, January 3, at Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to the Broadwater Lions Club and Broadwater Community Health Foundation.
We love you forever and ever Grandpa!
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Shelly,Matt & Rachel Horne says
Lit a candle in memory of Walter “Ray” Horne
Eric & Lacey Forrey says
Lit a candle in memory of Walter “Ray” Horne
Brian Patrick says
It was a privilege to work with Ray as a bus driver and serve with him in the Broadwater County Lions Club. He will be missed. His family is in my thoughts and prayers. Brian Patrick
Brad & Erin Cobban says
Lit a candle in memory of Walter “Ray” Horne
Dee Ellen (Hensley) Toy says
I remember him working for my dad Tom Hensley, they would take time to play with his kids as well as us Hensley kids. Ray and my dad would take old hoods off trucks and use em as sleds, also tie the wood sled to the old Honda and pull us up and down the dirt road. He will be very much missed by everyone. Love and miss you Ray.
Dee Ellen (Hensley) Toy says
Lit a candle in memory of Walter “Ray” Horne
Gerry Smith says
Betty , You and your family are in our prayers and thoughts. Hank and Gerry Smith
Clancy says
Papa Ray was by far my favorite old timer. I consider him to be more like a grandpa to me than a cousin. His s punky personality will be greatly missed. We all definitely gained a great angel. I can’t help but look to the sky and smile because I know that’s what he would want:) Love and miss you papa Ray
Renea Howard says
Lit a candle in memory of Walter “Ray” Horne
Sharon Lewis says
Lit a candle in memory of Walter “Ray” Horne
Dee Toy says
Ray will always be with us as an angel to join the rest. I remember the good times we had.
Jorja Hensley Munns says
Lit a candle in memory of Walter “Ray” Horne
Russell and Sharon says
To our dearest Horne family, our hearts are saddened to hear the loss of Ray, God created a fine man, who shared so many wonderful memories with all of us. Yes, our hearts feel broken, but to know Ray was called home by our Savior, on the day he was to celebrate his birthday, how awesome is that. To know that he was carried to heaven, by God, while angels were singing, and Ray was looking down on all of us, smiling and sending his love. Yes we hurt, but what a glorious birthday celebration for Ray, just believe he is with each and everyone one of you every day. God’s Blessing, love, Russell and Sharon, and all the Larsen family
Ron and heidi solis says
Thank you val for allowing us to get to know your dad ,he was a great man full of humor and love for people,our kids have great memories of him,especially kaylee ,we all send our love
Katie Ferrat says
Lit a candle in memory of Walter “Ray” Horne
Trish says
It is with deep sadness to hear of the passing of Ray! Our thoughts & prayers are with his family! May your wonderful memories warm your hearts!
Jill Kolberg says
Lit a candle in memory of Walter “Ray” Horne
Jill Kolberg says
I will never forget the bee that went up my nose and stung sledding at your place Betty and Ray… and the face you all had to see for weeks on the bus… great laughter always from Ray.
Gayle Ross says
I always so loved your dad and your family! I will cherish my memories and hope your memories will bring you comfort during this very difficult time. He touched a lot of lives and will be missed. God bless you all
Gayle Ross says
Lit a candle in memory of Walter “Ray” Horne
Jackie Smith says
Ray was always quick with a joke or some silly story, something that will be greatly missed, always remember the great care he took of us on his bus, making sure we were on our way in the winter before he drove away always the considerate man you will be missed by many! Jackie Smith
Jody nehrinf says
Lit a candle in memory of Walter “Ray” Horne
Heidi Larson says
Lit a candle in memory of Walter “Ray” Horne
Dave and Donna Lou says
During the short visit we had with your dad a couple of summers ago, we could tell that he was a source of joy for everyone around him. Our deepest sympathies and prayers for all of you.
Leland and Sharon Smith and family says
Lit a candle in memory of Walter “Ray” Horne
Lisa says
LOVE and PRAYERS are sent to the Horne family. May the good Lord help you find peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Chuck & Lisa Larson :two_hearts:
Barb and Ray Baum says
Lit a candle in memory of Walter “Ray” Horne
Gerda Sparks says
Lit a candle in memory of Walter “Ray” Horne
Gerda Sparks says
I only met him once, but remember dancing with him at your wedding and having a fun discussion. I was impressed!
Linda Pauley says
We were sadden with the news of Rays passing. He truly was a very kind person that accepted you as you were and did not make judgment. Ray, Betty, Val and the rest of the family were and are such real people that welcomed us as their friends 19 years ago as our family relocated from Northern California to Montana. He was always ready with a joke and a gift. That gift could have been in the form of a handshake, rasberries, vegetables or even a donkey we named Buster. Our hearts and prayers are with Betty and the family at this difficult time. Heaven truly has gotten a real angel when they got Ray.
Anonymous says
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Walter “Ray” Horne.
Char Holmes Duffy says
Lit a candle in memory of Walter “Ray” Horne
Char Holmes Duffy says
Have many fond memories of Ray getting us through the snow to school.