Raymond Archie Padgett, age 94, died August 7, 2021, at Riverstone Hospice House in Billings, Montana surrounded by his three daughters, Renee Bulatowicz, Donita Cantrell, and Marcie Padgett, and his granddaughter, Donna Bulatowicz.
Ray was born in Avondale, Montana on January 13, 1927. He graduated from Opheim High School in January 1944 and enlisted in the Navy as an aviation cadet. During WWII, Ray was stationed at naval bases in California and Washington, including at Treasure Island. He attended Navy flight programs at Carroll College in Helena, Montana, and at the University of Washington. After he was honorably discharged when WWII ended, he returned to the family farm in Montana.
He met the love of his life, Donna LaRoche, at a dance in Redstone, Montana, in the fall of 1952. They married February 21, 1954, at the Lutheran Church in Flaxville and made their home in Opheim where he worked at the Opheim Radar Station. They moved to the Padgett homestead southeast of Opheim in 1957, where they lived until retiring to Billings in 2003.
Ray and Donna raised their three daughters on the Padgett homestead. He was a Master Electrician, a lifetime member of the American Legion, a member of the Elks Club, and was instrumental in establishing North Valley EMS.
Survivors include: three daughters, Renee (George) Bulatowicz, Donita (Dick) Cantrell, and Marcie Padgett; three grandchildren, Donna Bulatowicz, Michael (Julie) Bulatowicz, and Richard Cantrell; two great-grandchildren, Joshua and Matthew Bulatowicz; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Ray is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Donna; brother, Dean Padgett; sisters, Lois Holtan and Nancy Runningen; as well as a niece and nephew.
Ray was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His memory was amazing, he had a great sense of humor, and he always had an engaging story to tell. He was very inventive and could fix anything.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the North Valley EMS or charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday August 13, 2021
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Ave So
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Saturday August 14, 2021
Opheim Community Church
Opheim, Montana 59350
Burial with Military Honors
12:00 p.m.
Saturday August 14, 2021
Lawndale Cemetery
Opheim , Montana 59350
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday August 13, 2021
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Ave So
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Saturday August 14, 2021
Opheim Community Church
Opheim, Montana 59350
Burial with Military Honors
12:00 p.m.
Saturday August 14, 2021
Lawndale Cemetery
Opheim , Montana 59350
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DAVID ALLEN says
My condolences to the Padgett family. I didn’t know Ray personally but my dad Chet Allen and Ray grew up together and were friends. My dad spoke of Ray often. I did meet Skip when he ran the store in fort peck. Im praying for you all. Dave Allen
Wanda (Erickson) Berndtson says
So sorry to learn about your dad’s passing. It is such a change in life to lose a parent. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Wanda Berndtson
Mike Wendlandt says
He was a great man and instilled values in his children. He touched the lives of many and will truly be missed.
Andy Wilson says
Ray and Donna were wonderful people. Whenever I visited, Donna would have a plate of homemade chocolate chip cookies handy! They were delicious! Ray always had a story to tell and was very personable. I feel they are back together. Condolences to the family and may the Lord Bless you all. Sorry for your loss.
Andy Wilson
Kim Madler says
Condolences to the family. Ray was a great guy and a good neighbor. Mom brings his name up every now and then when we are talking about the past. Our thoughts and prayers will be with the family.
Phyllis Fuhrman, Kim Fuhrman Madler, and Penny Fuhrman Shipp
Kim Madler says
Condolences to the family. Ray and Donna were both great people and good neighbors. Mom still brings them up every now and then when we are talking about the past. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Phyllis Fuhrman, Kim Fuhrman Madler, Penny Fuhrman Shipp