Ray Berreth, 85

Ray Berreth of Eureka, and more recently, of Kalispell, passed away Monday, Aug. 13, 2007, of pneumonia. He died from complications of a car accident. Ray was born at home in Billings to Henry and Maggie Berreth on Jan. 25, 1922.

In 1939, Ray's high school education was interrupted by World War II when he joined the Army and was member of the 136th Infantry. He served overseas in New Guinea and other locations. He was honorably discharged in 1945 after a five-year tour of duty.

Following the war, Ray returned to Billings where he fell in love with Ida Turbiville who was attending nursing school. They were married in June 1947. They celebrated their 60th anniversary just this summer.

After returning from the war, Ray's first job was selling pianos for Cecil Musberger. He always remembered Cecil's son Brent (ABC Sports anchorperson) pedaling his tricycle around the store. Then he returned to school, receiving a certification to repair radios and TVs from the Chicago Radio Institute. This training led to the desire to own his own business so he purchased a radio and TV shop in Eureka. The family moved in 1954 and raised four children, living there for nearly 50 years.

He enjoyed watching Grizzly football, reading newspapers, watching John Wayne movies and repairing radios and TVs.

Ray was the fifth of six children, all of which are deceased.

He is survived by his wife, Ida Berreth; daughter, Nancy Berreth of Kalispell; sons, Rick Berreth of Superior; Ron Berreth and wife, Bonny, of Havre; and Bob Berreth of Lakeside; eight grandchildren, Bill, Brian, Steven, Brandon, Alex, Ellie, Emma and Ava; and four great-grandchildren, Zack, Nathan, Drake and Mya.

Viewing will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 17, at the First Baptist Church on 301 West Wyoming in Kalispell, followed by the services at 1 p.m. Afterward there will be a graveside military ceremony at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.