Raymond J. Keller

Raymond John Keller passed away in Missoula on Thursday, May 28, 2015, at the age of 84.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, John and Rosa Keller; his brothers, Dr. Edmond Keller and Gustave Keller; and sisters, Rose Rathgerber, Ella Buyer, Bertha Moser and Betty Richert. Raymond is survived by his wife, Caroline Keller; his daughter, Cynthia and husband Jim Tripp of Missoula; his son, Kevin and wife Carol Keller of Brady; three grandchildren, including Kevin's son Kaly Keller and daughter Khristina Keller, and Cynthia's son Casey Kruger; one great-grandchild (Kaly's son) Corbin; and Raymond's three sisters, Anita Kirschmann, Martha Galt and Vi Schneider. The family also wishes to give special acknowledgment to Ray's best friend, and brother in Christ, Bud Wornath and wife Vi, who were considered by Ray to be as close to him as his own brothers and sisters, and brought Ray much joy and spiritual peace with their visits.

Ray was born in Conrad on Aug. 29, 1930, and grew up farming with his parents southeast of Brady. He then moved to Missoula with his parents during high school, where he met his wife of 65 years, Caroline, and they returned to his family's farm north of Collins. Ray and Caroline spent 45 years taking over the family's farm after his parents retired in Conrad, living and raising their two children there until retiring, at which time their son, Kevin, took over the family farming. Even after Ray retired, he was still dedicated to the farm and always came over to help when he could. When Ray and Caroline weren't farming, they loved to play golf and traveled extensively for years, visiting many places in the United States and Europe until Ray's stroke in 2009. Ray was always smiling with a wonderful laugh and caring and considerate spirit, and always put his family first above all else. Wherever Ray went he always made people feel warm and welcome and was a person who, when you had any problem, was always supportive and would not leave you until all was well with you and his presence made this world a much better place. All those who knew him loved him, and we will miss him deeply, but we know he is with his Father in heaven today.

There is a memorial service scheduled for Saturday, June 20, at the Conrad Mission Church, 205 Second Ave. N.W., in Conrad at 11 a.m. In accordance with Ray's wishes, his ashes will be spread at the family's farm. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, financial donations be made to either the Rocky Mountain Hospice or the Bethel Baptist Church in Missoula.
Read Raymond Keller's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.