Raymond Fredrick Hildreth

Raymond Fredrick Hildreth, our gentle, loving soul and quiet pillar of strength, peacefully passed beyond the veil on April 13th, 2025, at the age of 92-Palm Sunday, the Day of Jubilee. What a sacred and fitting day to return home to his Savior and the loved ones who awaited him.

Born on October 7th, 1932, to Bessie Cecilia Olsen and Emphrey William Hildreth, Ray was the fifth of six boys, whom he considered his best circle of friends. His entrance into this world was a memorable one weighing in at a remarkable 12 pounds, a record he held for several decades. Raised on the Medicine Lodge Hildreth Ranch as a young sheepherder, Ray developed a strong work ethic and a deep love for animals and the land. His early years were also spent with shared time on their Armstead ranch, where he attended grade school, before graduating from Beaverhead County High School in Dillon.

Ray married his high school sweetheart, Fae Darlene Goodfellow, the day after he turned 18. Together, they had a beautiful love story full of shared dreams and family. Their 75-year love story produced five children, 27 grandchildren, and soon-to-be 70 great-grandchildren. They built their dream of having a family cabin on a piece of the Medicine Lodge homestead, which has become a beloved gathering place full of lasting memories for their posterity over the past four decades.

Ray was known for his strength and stamina and could outwork anyone. In addition to his early years of ranching, Ray also worked as a logger and later made his living building homes, and apartment complexes, eventually forming the company Hildreth Homes with his sons. But to his family, Ray was a builder of hearts. No matter where he went, Ray had a unique ability to touch and uplift hearts, and bring a smile to everyone's face. His love and compassion for all living things was a hallmark of his character.

Ray was a patriot and defender of the constitution, a devout Christian and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he found peace and strength in his relationship with God. He leaves a legacy of love, his great sense of humor, and unwavering dedication to his family, and his friends, with a lasting impact that will never be forgotten by those fortunate enough to have been part of his life.

Ray was preceded in death by his daughter, Fern Elizabeth; his son, Grant Joel (Deborah); his mother and father Bessie Cecilia and Emphrey William; Brothers; Henry Dalton (Gertrude), Robert William (Gisela), Emphrey Eugene, and Lowell Sterling Hildreth.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Darlene; his sons, Clayton Ray, Bryce Jay (Hazel), and daughter, Amber Fay Jensen (Douglas); 27 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren, his brother Edward Barton Hildreth (Ethal-deceased); and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held on Easter Sunday, April 20th, at Brundage Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A brief viewing will take place on Monday, April 21st, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

A celebration of Ray's life will follow at 11:00 a.m., honoring the beautiful legacy he leaves behind.