Ray Van Redstone was born July 9, 1950 in Glasgow, MT to Myrtice McConnell Redstone and Justin “Chug” Redstone. Ray passed away in his home on Wednesday, October 28, 2020.
Ray grew up in Frazer, MT and graduated high school in 1970. Ray played basketball all 4 years of high school. Ray was a Bearcub fan all the way, he would travel to all games with is love and sidekick in life, Peaches.
Ray served in the U.S. Army after high school from 1970-1972. He had lots of crazy stories to tell about him and his buddies from the service. Ray was stationed in Germany during his tour. Ray Van worked for the Indian Health Service as a custodian for 34 years, retiring in 2006. During his days at I.H.S., Ray got the nickname “Doc” and all his friends were “patients”.
Ray Van enjoyed taking walks. He was always seen with is walking stick and maybe a grandkid or two tagging along. Ray liked to go to gun and air shows. He liked to watch his girls play softball in their younger years and “the boys” play in the Wolf Point men’s softball league. He enjoyed his granddaughter’s volleyball and basketball games. He was always ready to go somewhere or do something. Ray loved his dogs; he was never seen without one.
Ray liked to take his ride on the bottom road from Wolf Point to Frazer and back. Those who would pass him knew he was on his cruise; he never went over 35 MPH. He liked to sit outside the house and look at the sky as he enjoyed his Oly. He was always looking for something up there.
Ray was the friendliest guy with a great sense of humor. He always had a smile on his face and could make you laugh at something he said or one of his stories. He had a nickname for everyone.
Ray Van was preceded in death by his parents, Mert and Chug Redstone; brother, Stormin Norman; sister, Skee; nieces, Tracy and Angie; uncles, Joe Mac and Dickie McConnell; aunts, Rosella Murdock, Florence Buck, Lena Wright and Ruth Todd.
Ray Van is survived by the love of his life, Sandra Lilley; daughters, Willow and Brooke Lilley of Wolf Point and Dagmar Earl of Tulsa, OK; grandkids, Kadyn, Jadyn, Ashtyn, Rayven, Miguel, Keynen, Zayvian, K’Maiya, and Tate all of Wolf Point, and Logan Stultz of Tulsa, OK; sisters, Dovaline Schauer of Wolf Point, and Tammy (Rich) Frank of Las Vegas, NV; brothers, Trex (Virginia) of Fort Peck, and David (Yvette) of Wolf Point; nieces, Mike, Noeul, Symone, Sheronne, Shayne, Chloe, and Jovi; nephews, Jeremy, Scott, and Cory; sisters and brothers-in-law, Julie, Terri, Stacey (Curtis), Lois, Elaine (Nick), Perry (Imogene), Steven (Rhonda), Chickey (Dawn); good friend, John Pile of North Pole, AK; adopted brothers, Leonard, Dick, Meryl and Wayne Smith; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and grandkids, many good friends who were his brothers and his latest canine companion, Patches.
In keeping with COVID-19 guidelines, we are asking that immediate friends and family attend the services. Masks are required at all public services.
Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 4, 2020
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday November 5, 2020
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 4, 2020
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday November 5, 2020
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Iris N Campbell says
Ray Van the Man; your with family now, no more pain,
r.i.p. cuz
Chris Bauer says
My deepest condolences to the Redstone family. My pops & Redrocks aka Chebo as pops used to call each other, have been friends since high school & will be making their journey almost same time. Crazy, sad times for Ft Peck rez right now, prayers for healing 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Benson Follette- Montgomery says
To the Redstone family: My condolences Benson Follette-Montgomery .
Rhonda Mason says
Will miss you ole friend. Rest In Peace. Prayers for Sandra, Willow, Brooke and grandkids.
Jean Archdale says
Sandra, Our thoughts and prayers are with you, just have no other words to say how very sorry we are for your loss
Jerry and jeannie archdale
Pauline Azure-Feuvray says
Bert and I are sorry to hear of Ray Van’s passing. Now he is an angel with all of his relatives who are rejoicing to see him there. On earth there is sadness but someday we will meet again.
God bless the family. Much prayers to all.
Wischmann Family says
Rest in Peace RayVan.
Diane Sands says
My deepest sympathy to all his family and friends. He was a good man.
Diane Sands (Wischmann) Frazer 1965
Doreen says
RIP RV my sincere condolences to all his family, I have fond memories of the ten yrs I worked with him at Chief Redstone I will miss seeing you around walking with your big stick and crazy smile.
Alice Christensen says
My thoughts and prayers to the Redstone family.
Colleen says
Sandra, I am sorry to hear that Ray Van has entered the spirit world. He was such a good guy and friend to many. May the lord bless you and wrap his arms around you, Willow, Brooke and his grandchildren with comfort and strength in the days ahead. Rest in Paradise Ray.
Misha Wetsit says
My deepest condolences to the family. Ray van was such a wonderful kind man.
Susan Wischmann says
Ray was a classmate of mine in the 60s so I have many wonderful ( fun) memories of him in high school. He was a nice young man…. very thoughtful. For instance…We always had a lot of kids over to our house after basketball games and, of course, Ray Van was always there. (Old Dutch potato chips, garlic dip and red Kool Aide). One Christmas he gave my mom a present… it was a big glass red and yellow goblet. A decorative piece. She always had that on her refrigerator… in Frazer, then Circle, then Billings. It was just very thoughtful. She always had great things to say about our friends… Ray Van included.
And when I went to college he sent cards off and on….
just a nice guy. Over the years I lost touch with him but always heard about family news from Trex and Ginny.
Rest In Peace old friend. 😥🌻
Darlyn Grainger says
Sandra, Willow and family I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband, Dad, Grandpa. He’s not in pain anymore. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless You All during this difficult time.
Susan Wischmann says
Rest In Peace old friend.
Ethelyn Moccasin says
Sandra and family..
My sincerest condolences for your loss of Ray .. prayers and hugs to you and kids and grandkids..🙏🙏
Patsy Birdsbill says
Sandra I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband Ray Van, I will always have a prayer in my heart for you and your family.
Debra says
Condolences to the Redstone family RIP Doc
Willa Buck GrayHawk says
RIP cuz, going to miss you. I’ll cherish my memories of us when we were younger at uncle chugs house. Give the family hugs from me.
Weegee says
Condolences to the family. Your in my thoughts & prayers.
Jonny BearCub Stiffarm says
Sending prayers and thoughts of comfort to the family as they prepare to say farewell. Going to miss seeing you Ray Van, the man, as you slowly cruised the Indian Highway in the evenings making sure all the river bottom folks were A-OK.
Pr. Christine Holler-Dinsmore says
Deepest condolences on the death of Ray. May the love and care of family , friends and the good memories bring healing. May your heart rest In peace, knowing that Ray has passed over into the loving arms of the Creator and with all his relations who have passed over. You are uplifted and remembered in prayer.
Nadine Adams says
So many memories of Ray Van. Loved his sense of humor. Prayers for all of his family and hugs Willow Van. -Nadine & family
Debbie Vine says
My deepest condolences
Debbie Vine
Arla Neutgens says
Condolences to the family. Your in my thoughts & prayers.
Brooklyn says
God please keep them safe 😭you will be missed