Stevensville – Raymond Francis Spang of Stevensville, Montana, passed away on Wednesday, September 24 at the age of 88. His wife Carol and very good friend Patti Tipps were by his side.
Ray was born in Eagle Rock, California and joined the US Navy at the age of 17 to serve our country during WWII. During his tour of service in the Pacific, he was fortunate to observe our flag being raised by US Marines on Iwo Jima. He loved to kid his friends, and no one was a stranger to him. An accountant by trade, his passions included gardening, cooking and building things by hand – one thing special was his Wishing Wells he made for his friends and family. He was a real “handy-man.” He also loved working on his railroad set-up in his garage.
Ray was always around to lend a helping hand to his friends and neighbors.
Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 12 years, Carol; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Cathy Spang of Rancho Cucamonga, California; his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Mark Nelson of San Dimas, California; grandchildren, Ethan, Sarah and Matthew Spang; and great grandchildren, Skylar Spang and Aiden Grantham. Ray is also survived by two nephews and a niece, Anthon, Dennis and Lori Davis. His best friend and “little girl” Chica.
At Ray’s request, cremation has taken place.
A memorial service will be held in Hamilton at the Daly-Leach Chapel on November 8 at 3 p.m. A celebration of Ray’s life will follow in the Chapel’s Community Room.
Fly with the winds, Dad.
Condolences may be sent to Carol Spang, 311 9th Street, Stevensville MT 59870.