Cloudy and Windy, 61° F
(Sept. 5, 1935 - Oct. 1, 2011)
Raymond John Streeter died Oct. 1, 2011, in Twin Falls, Idaho, at the age of 76. He was surrounded by loved ones at home.
Ray was born in Forsyth, Mont., on Sept. 5, 1935, to Bertha and John Streeter. He graduated from Colstrip High School in 1953 and enlisted in the military that same year. Ray then served in the Korean War for 12 months.
On July 14, 1956, Ray married his love, Margaret Ann (Trudy) Rukavina, whom he had known throughout his years in Colstrip. To their union were born three daughters, who became the lights of his life. At the time of his death, Ray and Trudy had been married for 55 years.
Ray received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Eastern Montana College, and then went on to obtain another graduate degree in administration from Montana State University. Ray thoroughly enjoyed working as a fifth-grade teacher for 16 years in Powell, and then served as an admired principal and superintendent in various towns for an additional 20 years. During his career, Ray served as president on several national education organizations. His passion for children and education was apparent to all. Ray retired in 1996 and he and Trudy made their homes at their cabin in Crandall, and in Tucson, Ariz.
Ray loved to hunt and fish at the cabin he and his brothers built. He was an avid sports fan, and spent much of his adulthood coaching, refereeing and enjoying various sports. He and Trudy loved traveling and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Ray’s sense of humor and gentle nature was adored by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Trudy; his three daughters, Carrie (Albert) Salinas, of Windsor, Colo., Connie (Tom) Borron of Twin Falls, Idaho, and Callie Streeter of Belfield, N.D.; nine grandchildren, five (soon-to-be seven) great-grandchildren; and his three brothers, Monte (Betty), Clair (Teresa), and Ron (Anneke).
Services were held on Thursday, Oct. 6 at Parke’s Funeral Home in Twin Falls, Idaho. A second memorial is planned for the summer of 2012 at Ray and Trudy’s cabin home in Crandall.
