Raymond Still passed away May 14th after a brief illness. He was 89 yrs old and previously in good health, leading an active life. He is survived by his wife Erlene, with whom he has shared the last 68 years, his children, David R. Still of Loma Linda CA, Marilyn A. Kowalski of Mission Viejo CA, Charles L. Still of Mead, CO and Barbara J. Kuerzinger of Yucaipa, their spouses and his many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Ray was born and grew up in Grand Island NE. He briefly attended Nebraska State University.
In 1941 Ray married Erlene B. Reher of Grand Island NE . They met after high school, while working in a local business. After a brief courtship they were married in Las Vegas, Nevada and shortly thereafter Ray joined the Coast Guard for service in WW II. He spent his service years protecting transport ships traveling in the Mediterranean and Atlantic Oceans. Upon returning home from the war, he and Erlene moved west to southern California, with their first born son, who was only a few months old. Initially they roomed with Mrs. Raymond of Santa Monica, who was to become a good friend for many years. Ray joined the Gas Co. in Santa Monica, starting a long career with them. In 1947 Ray completed building a home in Pacific Palisades where he and Erlene would live for the next 13 years with their growing family. In 1960 they purchased a small business, the Fiesta Motel, in Rialto, CA. The family was moved and life re established in the new area. Ray continued to work for the Gas Co., now as a supervisor for a pipeline being laid in the eastern desert boundaries of San Bernardino, Riverside and Imperial Counties. The motel was sold in 1975 and Ray and Erlene moved to a quiet area of Brea, in Orange Co. In 1981, at the age of 62, Ray retired from the Gas Co. and moved to Cherry Valley to enjoy the golf and activities of the Highland Springs Village where he and Erlene have remained. He served on their board of directors, in charge of the golf course. In between they traveled the country with their trailer or occasionally choosing cruising. Raymond taught himself wood carving and produced many outstanding, award winning pieces with unique features and playful poses. Such characters as Paul Bunyan, nativity scenes for all of his children, Santa Claus and wife, multiple friends while playing golf, western cowboys and many more.
Raymond will be remembered for his quiet demeanor, for being reliable, thorough, and trustworthy with any project, for his firm, caring discipline of his children, and his loving relationship with his wife. His memory will be continued by his many works and loving family.
A memorial service was held on May 20, at Our Savior‘s Lutheran Church on Williams St. in Banning. Internment will be at a later date at the National Cemetery of Riverside.
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