Ray Milversted

Heaven has welcomed another hero into its Gates. You earned your wings and an angel you are now. Angela Rangel, GranddaughterRay A. Milversted passed away September 12, 2013 of natural causes at the age of 95. Ray was a loving, caring, honest man, devoted husband to his wife, and father to his four children, Michael, Margaret, Mark, and Patricia. He was a man with strong family values, tempered with understanding, compassion, and humor.Before serving in the US Army in World War II, he worked in Yellowstone National Park as a trail guide, which he always remembered fondly. He joined the Army in 1940 and spent much of his time in North Africa and Europe where he spent 400 days in continuous combat. During that campaign, he received several promotions; attaining the rank of Sergeant Major in the 194th Field Artillery Unit; he was also awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for heroism and valor.Upon his return, he married the love of his life, Lula Genese Robinson; at the same time he also found a job that gave him the ability to use his quick wit, humor, and powers of persuasion in selling large farm machinery. During the course of his career, he worked for International Harvester in Iowa and Montana, rising to the level of District Manager, and later on joined John Deere in a similar capacity.He and his family settled in Great Falls in 1954, raising his family and supporting his children in all their activities. Both Ray and Genese were always in attendance at school plays, recitals, and ball games. He also enjoyed outdoor activities with his children including fishing, hunting and weekend camping trips. All of these activities he continued to cherish and participate in with his five children and one great granddaughter.He will always be remembered for the twinkle in his eye and the smirk on his face when he was either winning at cards or pulling your leg.Ray is survived by his wife Genese; his four children Michael Ray Milversted, Mark Alan Milversted, Margaret Ann Rangel, and Patricia Marie Spradlin; brother, Robert William Milversted; grandchildren Patrick and Brian Spradlin, Matthew Milversted, Angela and Jonathan Rangel; one great granddaughter Alula Spradlin; and special little lady Lilli Hobson.He was preceded in death by his sister Dorothy Pence.A memorial service is planned for Monday, October 7, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.