Ray Stewart Finley
Ray Stewart Finley
Ray Stewart Finley passed away at the Finley ranch in Lance Creek, Wyoming on July 27, 2008 at the age of 74.
Ray was born on August 13, 1933 at Grandma Stuart's house outside of Quietius, Montana to Claude and Bessie (Biel) Finley. He was raised on the Finley homestead on the Fence Creek with his oldest brother Loy and two sisters, Clauda and Wanda. Ray graduated eighth grade from an old country school and attended ninth grade in Sheridan Wyoming. He married the love of his life, Edna Mae Jacobs, August 2, 1951. Ray and Edna worked and began their family on the Walter Bail's ranch for ten years before moving to his parents' ranch in St. Igatius, Montana. He and Edna took over the Finley ranch in 1962. There they continued to raise their three boys Tom, Larry, and Monty. Ray and Edna lived happily on the Finley rnach until Edna's death in 2006. Before his death Ray spent time in Wyoming helping Monty on the ranch, doing what he loved most. Monty and Barb had the honor of caring for Ray during his last few months of life. Tom, Larry, Monty, and Barb were at his bedside when Ray went to be with Jesus.
Ray was an honest, hardworking rancher. He began riding horses at the young age of two, manned the sheep camp by himself at the age of nine, and operated a successful cattle and dairy ranch at twenty-nine. Ray's love was for his family and cattle ranching.
Ray is survived by his sister Wanda and her husband Herb Blakemen, his three sons; Tom and his wife Iris of Casper Wyoming; Larry of Hanna, Wyoming; and Monty and his wife Barb of Lance Creek, Wyoming; and numerous grandchildren and great-grand children.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents Claude and Bessie Finley, his brother Loy, sister Clauda, and his loving wife Edna.
Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, August 2, 2008 at the Pleasant View Cemetery in St. Igantius, Montana.