Longtime Butte resident Raymond J. "Ray" Northey passed away Tuesday December 6, 2022.  Ray was born in Butte on July 31, 1930 the son of Joseph & Ada (Waters) Northey.  He attended local schools and graduated from Butte High School.

Following high school Ray began a long and distinguished career in the retail paint industry, first with Fuller Brush and then later AMFAC Supply from where he retired.

After his father passed away Ray took great care of his mother Ada, caring for all her needs and always being with her.  He enjoyed taking trips across Montana seeing all the great wonders of the State.  After his mother passed you could always find Ray with his sister and brother-in-law Vern and Mae Jean Andres and his loving niece and nephew Peggy Merzlak and Vern Andres, Jr.   It was during this time of his life when he met Lorraine Richards who just happened to work with Mae Jean.  Again Ray would take Lorraine everywhere.  The two especially enjoyed taking trips to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.  But the greatest joy was just spending time together, whether it be going to dinner, taking walks or just shooting the breeze.  After Lorraine passed away Ray remained an integral part of the Richards' Clan.  Always looking forward to the annual 4 ^th of July Picnics and the Christmas Eve party.

Later Ray would become good friends with Nona Biernat and for the later part of his life Cheryl Justice, who was with Ray at the time of his passing.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Ada Northey, his sister and brother-in-law Mae Jean and Vern Andres; close companion Lorraine Richards, and friend Nona Biernat. He is also preceded in death by his close family friends Lori Sorensen, whom shared the same birthday as Ray, and her sister Renae Parini.

Ray is survived by his niece Peggy Merzlak and Nephew Vern Andres of Ridgecrest, CA.; Cousins George Northey and Teri Northey.  Companion Cheryl Justice, the entire Richards Clan, and by his very dear friend Mike Sorensen, who was always there for Ray, for anything he needed

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday at 12:30pm at the Duggan Dolan Chapel.   Burial will take place at Mount Moriah Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity of donor's choice.