Raymond Arthur Cooley

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 Ray passed peacefully on the night of November 30, just nine days after his 91st birthday.

He was born to Robert and Effie Cooley in Watertown, South Dakota. At the age of three, he moved with his family to Bartlett Lane in Cody. They eventually settled on the north end of Powell. As a child, he was a hard worker, a quality that stayed with him his entire life.

He attended Powell schools and belonged to the Class of ’53. In 1954, he met and married his partner in life, Alice Wambeke. They were two young kids making a life together. They shared 71 years of marriage.

In the early days, Ray worked as a roughneck and then as an equipment operator for Powell Ready Mix. In 1979, Ray and Alice took a leap of faith and started their own business, Ray’s Dirt Service. During his years in business, Ray was responsible for moving tons of rock and dirt around the Big Horn Basin. He worked alongside his brothers, sons, and grandsons, teaching them the value of working for what they had. Throughout his years in business, he made lifelong connections and many cherished friendships

.In retirement, Ray and Alice enjoyed many cruises and bus trips all over the country, but the most precious times they spent were following their kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids in their activities. They provided their family with opportunities to camp, motorcycle, snowmobile, boat, ride horseback, and spend "together" time at the family cabin in Crandall, where Ray welcomed friends and family alike.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings: Phyllis, Dick, Bob, Don, and Bonny.

He is survived by his wife, Alice, and their children: Dean (Michelle), Jim (Kelly), Vicky Coy (Nick).Grandchildren: Duke (Heidi), Dallas (Kristin), Tyler (Steve), Valee Miller (Clayton), and Alison Rogers (Steve). His treasured great-granddaughters: are Stella, Livia, Cooley, Harper, and Ivy. 

Services will be held at The United Church of Powell on Friday, December 5, at 10:00 AM, with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Powell Senior Center Building Fund.

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