Raymond O. "Ray" Butterfield, 87 , longtime Berthold area rancher, died Tuesday, October 2, 2007 in his home.

Raymond was born January 17, 1920, on the family farm in Mandan Township of Ward County, south of Berthold, ND, to Jay and Gena (Leifson) Butterfield. He was educated in country schools in the area. As a young man he assisted his mother and father on the family farm and later took over operations of the farm. Throughout the years he raised cattle, sheep, and small grains.

Ray married Jean Snyder on September 30, 1946 in Minot. The couple was blessed with four children.

Ray enjoyed riding a four-wheeler ATV with their Australian shepherd "Cookie" , breaking and riding horses, doctoring animals and tending to his trees.

His loving family includes : loving wife of 61 years: Jean, Berthold, ND; Daughter: Judy (Jim) Stewart, Richville, MN; Sons: Ralph Butterfield, Makoti, Dale Butterfield, Plaza, and Clayton (Lynn) Butterfield, Liberal, KS; Six Grandchildren; Six Great-Grandchildren; Sister: Edna Fegley, Berthold and Edith Haman, Minot; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Irene Vasser.

Funeral service: Monday, October 8, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Minot.
Interment: Wildrose Cemetery, Berthold.
Visitation: Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.