Our beloved grandpa Clifton “Ray” Cheek Sr., age 82 passed away on Tuesday, July 30th, 2019 at Trinity Hospital in Wolf Point, Montana. He was born to Robert and Elizabeth Downey Cheek in Bailey Switch, Kentucky on March 24th, 1937.
Grandpa proudly served in the U.S. Navy during 1958 to 1963. After his years in the Navy he moved to Montana where he met and married our grandma, Susan Beverly Melbourne. From this union they had three children; Charlene Cheek, Clifton (Angela) Cheek Jr. and Donna (Errol) Yellow Hammer. He also raised his stepdaughter Linda Melbourne as his own.
Upon grandpa’s arrival in Montana he had various ranch jobs. But he never gave up his love of art. He was a self-taught artist and won his first award when he was only 12 years old. Throughout his life his artwork has continued to be held in high regard and successfully participated in many art shows. His early works of art consisted of pen and ink drawings, followed by watercolors and oil paintings. During the mid-1970’s he developed an interest in sculpting. His sculpting media consisted of clay, wax, wood and polyform. These models form the basis for limited edition figures cast in bronze. Grandpa Ray’s artwork has been awarded both national and international acclaim and can be viewed in many corporate and small business offices in England, Canada, the Orient as well as across the U.S.
Grandpa is survived by his brother Don (Irene) Cheek of Kentucky, his daughters Charlene Cheek and Linda Melbourne, daughter-in-law Angela Snell-Cheek, son-in-law Errol Yellow Hammer. His nieces; Deaidra Cheek-Douglas, Bonnie (Vince) Gundlock, Joyce (Russ) Parker, Beverly Bird, Doris Bird, Thelma Bird, Cheryl Melbourne, Theresa Sun Rhodes. His nephews; Randall Cheek, James (Alice) Melbourne, John (Gwen) Clark, William Clark Sr., Robin Clark, Lyle and Richard Melbourne. Grandchildren; Angeline, Casey and Laurel Cheek, Misty, Myron and Traci Yellow Hammer, Martha Kearns, Marlene Failing, Michael Failing, Tolly McClammy, Erick & Andrew Sherman, Alexis & Jahn Charboneau, Cameron Cheek and Cullen Douglas.
Grandpa was preceded in death by his parents Robert & Elizabeth Downey Cheek, wife Susan Beverly Melbourne, daughter Donna Cheek-Yellow Hammer, son Clifton Cheek Jr., sister Joyce Cheek-Otto, sisters-in-law Rebecca Clark, Peggy & Faye Melbourne, brothers-in-law Thomas Otto, Calvin, Thomas & Samson Melbourne and his grandchildren; Thomas Jerome, Johnnie McClammy and Bronson Charboneau.
The mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar. Interment will follow at Riverside Catholic Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements and condolences for the family can be left by using the form below.
Bro. Bill and Shirley Wolfe says
Sorry to read about this loss for your family. Praying for all of you.
David simensen says
Always fun to see you Ray show up at Christmas at the Lockman farm . Hazel would bring out her gingerbread cookies and milk and we would look at Ray’s artwork and hear many stories. His Ability to create in his Bronzes and paintings of the American west I feel is unsurpassed. The gift he had and shared has been and enjoyed and will be missed . A true artist. David and Carol (Lockman) Simensen
Laurel Cheek says
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. We remember those gingerbread cookies and loved them too. Grandpa always got an extra batch for us. Again, thank you very much for your thoughts and prayers.
Debbie Combs says
Ray was one of the kindest men I have ever known. He was also a very gifted western artist and will be missed tremendously. Rest in peace Ray. Know that you were loved by many.
Dennis Nelson5 says
Great artist and a great person.
Burt Johnston says
Rest In Peace old friend, we will miss your visits and treasure your artwork forever.
Barbara Lien says
My mother Birdell Lien was a big fan of Ray, and collected many of his works. It wasn’t just his art that appealed to her — it was his personality, and the stories he told. Birdie passed away just last year at the age of 92, and I hope she and Ray will meet on the other side to keep swapping stories, and she can admire his artistic gifts once again.
Eric Zimmerman says
I feel fortunate to look at Cheek’s art daily and love him for it. May he rest in peace.
Cody says
Was just staring at a sketch Cheek had done for me as a gift when I was little. As well as a Christmas letter he wrote to my grandparents with a sketch at the top. He was a good man, and I miss the visits we had. You are definitely missed, Rest In Peace Cheek, hopefully we meet again one day.