Ray Quilici

Ray Erwin Quilici, 84, went back to the open range on September 13, 2015. Ray was born to Gilbert and Maude (Maddox) Quilici on July 5, 1931, in Dillon, Mont. Ray attended school in Twin Bridges for a few years, then went to work at a very young age, working cattle, which is what he would end up doing for most of his life.

He was called away for a little over three years in 1949 when he enlisted in the Army and fought in the Korean War.

Upon his return he had encountered a woman he had met some years prior. The first meeting didn't go so great. At the second meeting, he was able to convince her that he was a pretty good guy. She later became his wife and remained to be the love of his life. Ray and Nellie (McClaren) Quilici were married in Dillon, Mont. on August 22, 1956 at the home of her parents, John and Gladys McClaren.

Ray worked for various ranches throughout most of his life, although he did stray away for a short time and worked as a guard for the prison in Deer Lodge, Mont. He was on duty during the prison riot that occurred in 1959. Ray and other guards were taken hostage for approximately 36 hours. Afterwards, he decided that was enough excitement and returned to doing what he loved, and that was being a cowboy. He knew that life better than anything else and he was good at it.

In 1966, Ray and Nellie moved their family to Odessa, Wash., where they remained for 47 years. Ray was involved with the local VFW and American Legion for most of his residency in Odessa.

Ray was a simple man. He loved deeply and patiently. He was strong and selfless and always greeted you with a smile.

Ray leaves behind, his loving wife of 59 years, Nellie Quilici. He is survived by their children Rita (Stan Butler), Ray (Tina) Quilici, Nanette (Jason) Flowers, Arlee Riley, Janet Tapia, Tony Quilici and Roger McQuiston, his brother Byrl Quilici and sister Cedillia, along with numerous nephews and nieces, as well as 17 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 10 step-great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at the Odessa Christ Lutheran Church, 602 Amende Dr., Odessa, on Saturday, October 3, 2015, at 2 p.m. Please sign the online guestbook at http://www.kayserschapel.com.