Funeral services for Ray Bigelow were held on Monday, September 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Colome, SD with Pastor Don Windsperger officiating.
Music was provided by Roxie Summerville, organist. Debie Kendrick and Kathy Nicholas were flower attendants.
Casket bearers were Dale Larsen, Wayne Larsen, David Larsen, Gene Bertram, Ron Miller, and George Shippy. Honorary casket bearers were Ernie Hofeldt, Larry Bertram, Roger Miller, Bob Nash, Ferman Harter, and Ray Jorgensen.
Interment was in the Colome City Cemetery in Colome, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Ray Robert Bigelow was born to Robert and Dorothy (Bertram) Bigelow on August 11, 1944, in Winner, SD.
Ray was an only child. Other than the short time Ray lived on the west coast when his dad was in the Navy, he lived all his life within a quarter mile on the same South Dakota road.
He attended Pleasant View Country School in Colome, SD, and graduated from Colome High School. Ray had a desire to go on with school, but the farm called him home to work.
Growing up Ray enjoyed playing cribbage with his grandfather. In his later years, he still enjoyed playing games and cards. Cribbage and pitch were among his favorites.
On March 15, 1969, Ray married Sharon (Worden) during a snowstorm. The couple had three children: Kenneth Ray, Beverly Ann, and Barbara Marie. Ray and Sharon enjoyed 54 years of marriage together.
Ray was a farmer and a rancher. He loved working hard and really loved the farming side of his work. Ray was not as fond of the cows as he was the farming.
Ray enjoyed music, especially country and western music, though he was not much of a dancer. Ray also loved hunting with family and his close friends.
Ray was always willing to help out a friend, neighbor, his many family members, and his three children. Ray cherished every moment with his family and grandkids while they were growing up. They always knew how to get a smile out of him no matter what.
Due to health issues, Ray and Sharon moved to Golden Prairie Manor in July of 2022.
Ray is survived by his wife Sharon; son Kenny (Rebecca) Bigelow, daughter Bev Beck (special friend Bruce Clark), and daughter Barb (Shay) Littau; grandchildren: Rebekah Bigelow, Joe (Erin) Beck, Bailey Beck, Olivia Littau, Keegan Littau, and Bella Littau; step-grandchildren: Chelsea Blickenstaff, Garret Kruback, Kord Littau, and Lane Littau; and five great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Dorothy Bigelow and grandson Kolby Beck.
Ray passed away at Golden Prairie Manor on September 22, 2023, at the age of 79 years.
