Ray Ebert

Raymond “Ray” Ebert

July 5, 1943 - November 4, 2024

Ray passed away peacefully in his home and went home to his eternal father’s loving arms on November 4th. He was born at home 81 years prior to Marguerite and Charles Ebert and was the second oldest child with an older sister and two brothers and one sister younger than him. When he was twelve, their mother passed away and his father remarried several years later to his stepmother Reva Ebert who stepped in to raise the five children. He grew up in a rural farming community just outside of St. George, Kansas where he learned the hard work ethic that was the very cornerstone of who Ray was. 

Ray left the farm and moved to the big “city” of Casper in 1965 and began his career in sales at KATI radio. His outgoing and gregarious personality combined with his charming smile made him a natural salesman and instant friend to so many. When he met Dianne Beattie, he was instantly smitten and he swept her off her feet and they were married in 1969. As they began their 55 year marriage, he became an instant father to her two children Toni and Tim which was a role he truly cherished and he soon legally adopted them. Two years later, they welcomed their third child Tami into their beautiful family. This young family became the motivation for everything Ray worked hard for and accomplished.

As a true family man, Ray worked incredibly hard to provide for his family and to give them everything he could. He continued his career in sales later working for Galles Sales selling motorhomes and then returning to radio working at stations in Laramie, Wyoming and in Greeley, Colorado. He ultimately returned home to Casper and worked at KVOC radio for 11 years and then went to work for Arrowhead Plumbing and Heating before he retired. Even in retirement, he continued to keep busy with house remodeling, both his own and rental properties, and he enjoyed this immensely.

He enjoyed supporting his children, his grandchildren, and later his great grandchildren, in absolutely everything they did. He and Dianne would travel many miles to offer their support and if he was there cheering them on he could easily be heard above the crowd as he was a very “exuberant” fan at any sporting event! He treasured being surrounded by his family and was adored for his patience and unequivocal love. The house seemed “fuller” somehow when he was there and his contagious laugh could be heard above the conversation.

His hobbies included playing(when he was younger) and later watching many different sports, discussing the teams and players with others, and playing in fantasy football leagues. He would intently study and bet on horse racing, especially when they came to town in person, but also at off track betting sites. Ray took pride in his yard growing beautiful flowers and he grew an impressive garden each year which yielded the BEST sweet corn and tomatoes around! He spent hours “puttering” in his garage and building things and he was able to put this talent to good use as a 35+ years volunteer and member of the Central Wyoming Home Builders Association. Each year he spent countless hours designing and building displays and children’s playhouses to be given away at the Home and Garden Show. He was a true visionary who could always see a way to make things bigger and better and he did this for his community as a servant leader in a multitude of ways whether it was organizing recycling events, the Ranch City Party, or casino nights benefitting local charities and he never wanted or needed recognition for any of his efforts.

Anyone who knew Ray knew he was always ready with his beaming smile, a handshake or hug, and that he made instant friends and connections everywhere he went. He would selflessly help out anyone in need at any time and was truly fulfilled when he was busy doing this. He will be greatly missed by so many friends and family members who loved him so much. 

He is survived by his loving wife Dianne (Beattie) Ebert, his daughter Toni (Ebert) Billings and her husband John, his son Tim Ebert and his wife Jayne, and his daughter Tami (Ebert) Updike and her husband Russell. He is also survived by his sister Caroline (Ebert) Anderson and her husband Dale, his brother Leonard Ebert and his wife Sharon, his brother John Ebert, and his sister Marg (Ebert) Magnet and her husband Dale as well as his grandchildren Lexi (Billings) Elm and her husband Cory, Hudson Billings and his wife Felicity, Jade Updike and Chris Gardner. He is also survived by two great grandchildren Grace and Parker Elm in addition to numerous step grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. 

A Rosary will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home on Friday, November 15 at 5:30. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on Saturday, November 16th at 10:00 a.m. followed by a committal service at Highland Cemetery. There will also be a luncheon reception at St. Patrick’s at noon. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Ray’s name to the Central Wyoming Rescue Mission.