February 21, 1933 – May 28, 2015
Ray (Dad) meant many different things to many people. He was a son, a father figure, a soldier, a business owner, a husband, father and grandpa “papa.” He graduated from Blaine High School in 1951 and always said if it hadn’t been for Gloria Eastman he wouldn’t have graduated. The Army then drafted him during the Korean War. After
several years, he married the love of his life, Ethel (Mom) Washburn. She developed cancer in 2006, and he selflessly cared for her right up to her death on February 17, 2015. I (Katrina) was very proud to be their daughter, and witnessed just how much love they had for each other. They were joined at the hip; one didn’t do something without the other.
When Dad took over the Chevron gas station in 1957, (Montoure’s Chevron) or “the station” as it was called, he had no idea it would become an institution that lasted 35 years. He said the work was hard but it was also a lot of fun and time passed quickly. He hired many local high school students and would talk about many of them and the jokes they played on him, and vice versa. He also said, “the boys thought I didn’t know they worked on their cars after I left; I knew they did,” and then he’d laugh. If someone needed help, he’d be there. If someone needed a second chance, he’d be there. If someone needed a laugh, he’d be there, his sense of humor was legendary, and he was larger than life.
He said his greatest accomplishment was being able to watch his grandkids,
Jessica and Tyler, grow up, and he loved them more than words can express. Through many phone calls he always asked how they were doing and if they needed anything. He loved them more than life itself and I know how much they loved him. My best friend, my partner in crime, my confidante, but most importantly, my Dad. He helped me in so many ways.
When he got sick, his family and former employee, Gary Kocher, stepped up and helped get him the care he needed. I thought of Gary as a brother, and as far as Dad was concerned, Gary could do no wrong.
Ray is survived by daughter and son-in-law Katrina and Kevin Ramsey, his beloved grandkids Jessica and Tyler Demorest, brother David (Susan) Montoure, sister-in-law Paula Montoure, brother and sister-in-law Merritt and Susan Washburn, brother and sister-in-law Robert and Bonnie Larsen, sister-in-law Eunice Washburn and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Ethel May Montoure, parents Roland and Minnie Montoure, brother Harold Montoure, sister Minnie “Tuttie” (Lawrence) Dickeson, sister Shirley (Carl) Montoure, brother Roland “Nin” Montoure, father and mother-in-law Eddie and Olive Washburn.
The folks who called him or stopped by to visit him touched him deeply and
I think he finally realized just how much he meant to so many people. He said he didn’t know he had such a good family and friends. Dad, Papa, brother, friend and mentor, you will be missed more than words can express. The world got a little dimmer now that you’ve gone to be with Mom, gramma, sister and friend.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 15 at 2:30 p.m. at Moles Greenacres followed by a reception. Please share memories at molesfarewelltributes.com
