Raymond "Ray" Lyle Gill

Raymond Lyle Gill, of Helena, passed away on March 12, 2023 at the age of 78, surrounded by family. 

Ray was born June 25, 1944 in Townsend, MT to Richard and Mabel Gill.  He was raised on the family farm in the Canton Valley which was later flooded to create Canyon Ferry Lake.  The family then moved into Townsend.  He graduated from Broadwater County High School. 

In 1967 Ray married Karyle Ann Gilbert and they spent 35 years together, until Karyle’s passing.  Together they had two children, Tanya and Michael (Mitch).  Ray later married longtime family friend, Janet Little and they spent 18 years together. 

Ray enjoyed fishing, camping, and traveling to spend time with family and friends.

Ray served in the Army Reserves for six years.  He was employed by the Montana Highway Patrol as Patrol Supply Officer.  Ray often said, “That was the best job I ever had.  It didn’t pay much but I loved what I was doing.”  He went on to work for the Montana Department of Transportation where he was a sign maker.  When you see a highway sign, think of Ray.  He left the DOT to open his own silk-screening business.  Ray took great pride in printing shirts and signs for major Helena events, such as Jazz Festival and The Governors’ Cup.  After many years, he sold his business to Montana Sign Works and worked there for several years.  Later he went back to work for the DOT sign shop, where he worked until he retired in 2014.

Ray served on the Last Chance Stampede Parade Committee serving as chairman and various other capacities for years.  He also served on the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds User’s board. 

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Donald, and his first wife Karyle.  He is survived by his wife Janet, his daughter Tanya (Stacey) Baertsch, son Mitch Gill, grandchildren: Doug, Casey, Colton, Seth (Amber), Justin (Robyn), Kaila, Breanna, and Mackenzie, great grandchildren: Mason, Stetson, Dawson, Sawyer, and step children Hannah (Doug) Parrish and Randy Little. 

A memorial service is scheduled on Monday, March 27, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Helena First, with a reception to follow.  A private internment will be held at a later date.  

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.  
2 Corinthians 1:3

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