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Ray W. Patterson

Jul. 31, 1937 - Dec. 6, 2023

Date of Service: Dec. 16, 2023

BURLEY – Ray W. Patterson of Burley, Idaho, returned to his Heavenly Father on December 6, 2023. He passed suddenly and unexpectedly from a tractor accident. He died at the age of 86 while doing one of the things he loved most.

Ray was born July 31, 1937, in West Weber, Utah, to William Robert and Agnes Maude Wallace Patterson – the fifth of six children. Ray was raised in Clinton, Utah, and loved growing up on a farm where he had several opportunities to work with animals and the land. In high school, he formed a group called the Crazy Crew that would entertain people with their pantomime performances of Spike Jones songs.

Ray married the love of his life, Deanne Anderson, whom he always called "Angel," in August of 1993. They were later sealed in the Ogden Utah Temple in 1996. Together, they share 11 children, 40 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. Deanne will miss the love notes he always left throughout the house for her to find. His family was the greatest joy of his life. He was a wonderful father and grandfather and was adored for his kindness and happy personality. Ray once said: "My children have given me so many memories and fun times together with them. Time passes too quickly… My family has given me a reason to thank God for the experience and time here on earth."

Ray is a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ray and Deanne were blessed to serve a full-time, two-year mission in Bangkok, Thailand, from 2003 to 2005. Ray's motto was: You bear your testimony EVERY DAY by how you live and interact with other people and how you serve the Lord.

Ray was a very talented singer and had a beautiful bass voice. He attended Weber College on a choir scholarship. He performed many solos and in ensembles of all sizes over the years. He loved music and could often be heard humming or singing. He enjoyed laughing and making others laugh with his pranks and jokes. Ray loved to garden and farm. He took any opportunity to be outside. Ray also loved to camp and hunt. He could never quite sit still and his family believes that his hard working and active lifestyle kept him "young" and vibrant. We knew he would die with his boots on. He loved his 1951 Moline tractor! It was the tractor his family bought when he was a young man, and he has kept it running all these years.

His family will always remember Ray for being generous with his hugs and saying "I love you!" frequently. We do not doubt he loved us. He was loving, caring, and compassionate. He led a happy life, and we are eternally grateful for the time we were blessed to have him with us.

He was preceded in death by sisters, Beth Wallace, Donna Montgomery, and Shirley Oleson.

He is survived by his wife, Deanne, and their eleven children. Seven children with Lela Patterson: Curtis Ray (Barbara), Debbie (Clark) Randall, Tony Ray (Lisa), Temp Ray (Lacy), Lila (Keith) Linam, Guy Ray (Tina), and Hazel (Jason) Smith. He gained four daughters with Deanne: LaRae (John) Lind, Joanne (Scott) McMillan, Jeralyn (Ryan) Timmons, and Lisa (Eddie) Beebe. His surviving siblings are: Renee Nelson and Bill Patterson.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 16, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Unity 2nd Ward, located at 275 S. 250 E., of Burley, with Bishop Lee Greer officiating. Burial will be at View Cemetery, 600 S. 700 E., of Burley.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, December 15, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Saturday, preceding the funeral, at the church.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/HrqoNxQXl18.

Listen to the Service:

Condolences for Ray W. Patterson

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Kathleen and Kip Anderson :

So sorry for your loss. Ray was a great man. I’m glad I got to know him more when we moved to Burley.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

From Kathleen and Kip Anderson :

So sorry for your loss. Ray was a great man. I’m glad I got to know him more when we moved to Burley.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

From Renae Moncur:

Deanne and family
I am so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing!
I loved working with him all those years at the courthouse. We have remained friends and I am so glad. I
Also treasure our friendship!

From Norell Johnson:

I have never seen Ray without a smile on his face. He and Deanne have become special friends in my life and I was devastated to hear of his death. One of the friendliest people I know has now joined heavenly choirs. Deanne, know that my love and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time. The deep sorrow that comes when a loved one leaves this earthly existence is an expression of the love and joy you all have shared for Ray. With love comes the price of heart-rending grief, but know that there will one day be such a joyful reunion that the sorrow you feel now with be but a fleeting memory. Hold on and hope on for a brighter future. Know that you are both loved by so many!

From Debra Barnes :

Ray was a delight to know. Loved his smile and sense of humor. Our paths crossed many times working in the courthouse. So sorry for your loss. He will be missed.

From Gay and Lonnie Downs:

Ray was a special friend. We shared a love for family history and I enjoyed every time we talked. He will be greatly missed in our community. Our prayers and thoughts are with Deanne and all of Ray’s dear loved ones at this difficult and tender time.

From Larry Baggett:

Dear Family- We are sorry to hear of Ray's passing. We have family ties through the Anderson family (on what I understand was on Deanne's line -Jerald Anderson was a cousin to Larry) We would love to have met up with you at the service but have another commitment the same day ( grandson getting married in Idaho Falls.) but want to send our love and prayers at this time. Larry and Dee Baggett

From Don Chisholm:

To Ray's Family,
Ray provided excellent service to the judicial system and its users for many years as a court reporter in the Fifth Judicial District. He was competent and courteous to everyone who used the court system. You can be proud of his service to the community.

From Al and Kathy Barrus:

Ray was a great court reporter and friend. He was a joy to be around.

From Heidi (Larsen) Nybo:

He always welcomed me with a huge grin, making me feel like family! His warmth could be felt whenever he entered a room. You could feel his love for his kids and all of their friends, me being one of them, blessed to be besties with his amazing daughter Hazel He really showed us all that one person can make a difference in this world!

From Kris Frost:

Temp,
So so sorry to read of your Dad's passing. Cherish your memories and look forward to the joyous reunion when you meet again.

From Temp Patterson:

Dad always made sure I knew 2 things. One, is that he loved me even after making mistakes. The other is that he loved God, and that this is more important than most of the things that the world would consider as important. He loved to laugh and made sure we both did as often as possible. I love you dad, and we will both express our love for each other and God when we meet again in His kingdom.

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