Raymond Claude Zumwalt, 72

Raymond Claude 'Ray' Zumwalt, 72, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2005, at Brendan House in Kalispell.

He was born Oct. 30, 1933, in East Alton, Ill., to Everett F. and Rhoda Ellen (Lowe) Zumwalt.

Ray joined the Army and served his country from 1953 to 1955 before separating.

He married Dotti Louise Jones on July 9, 1985.

Ray was also a long-distance truck driver until his retirement. Ray enjoyed gambling and attending stock-car races at Raceway Park. He spent many hours people watching at the mall and joking with waitresses.

He was a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the American Legion, the North American Hunting Club, and a lifetime member of the NRA and a member of the NRA Golden Eagles.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Don Stafford; and aunt, Mae.

He is survived by his wife, Dotti, of Kalispell; seven children, Lori Scharpf of England, Cyndi Westbrook and Mike Westbrook of Kalispell, Rose Huff, Jennie Avila and David Sickler, all of Beckemeyer, Ill., and Marcie Gill of Salem, Ill.; one sister, Doris Dothager, of Breese, Ill.; two brothers, Paul Martin of St. Louis, and Rick Zumwalt of Carlisle, Ill.; 19 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services for Ray will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel, with Pastor Ron Pierce officiating.

The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to St. Jude's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 300, Memphis, TN 38148-0552.

Johnson Mortuary is caring for Ray's family.