Raymond "Jack" Theodore Staley

Raymond "Jack" Theodore Staley, 87, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at Peace Hospice. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 25, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Jack was born on March 24, 1931 in South Mountain, PA to Mark and Blanche (Taylor) Staley. He was raised in Gettysburg, PA and Nunn, CO. In 1949 he moved to Great Falls and worked at Safeway until he was drafted into the Army in 1952. He served in the Korean conflict in the 7th Infantry Division, 32nd Infantry Regiment. In late December 1953 he returned from Korea and completed his service time at Ft. Lewis, WA. While still overseas, he contacted his previous employer to inquire if they would be willing to sponsor him in a meat cutting apprenticeship. After completing his military service, he was able to use his GI Bill for in-store training to become a meat cutter and ended his career as a meat manager at Buttrey Foods. On August 5, 1950 he married Barbara Kjellgren in the First United Methodist Church, and to this union, four children were raised. Barbara and Jack were married for 64 years, before she passed away in 2014. Jack enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, gardening and camping at Holland Lake where his favorite pastime was cooking over a campfire and making sure everyone else was taken care of before him. He was known by his family as a practical joker. He is survived by his children, Ron (Rita) Staley, Linda (Bill) Boettcher, Greg Staley and Jodi (Mark) Rittenhouse; grandchildren Wilton Warren, Willow Fliginger, Wesley Boettcher, Catie Ruffini-Smith, Nicholas Boettcher, and Ryan Ruffini; nine great-grandchildren; and his beloved cat, Missy. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; his parents and he was the last survivor of his six brothers and sisters. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Peace Hospice of Great Falls or the charity of your choice.