Alton “Ray” Talley, Sr. age 66, a resident of Helena, passed away on January 28, 2013 at St. Peter’s Hospital. Ray was being visited and comforted by his wife and family. He was born to Alton Joe and Gladys Talley on May 13, 1946 in Fresno California. Ray attended high school in Kerman, California where he was crowned “Mr. Irresistible”. While at Kerman High School, Ray played baseball and was scouted by and asked to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Unfortunately, due to family obligations he was unable to accept their offer. Later, he met and married Mary J. Medeiros on November 20, 1965. Ray worked various jobs, from a deputy constable to a mechanic. Later he graduated from the Police Academy and became a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff. He worked his way up through the department and retired after 14 years, due to medical reasons. Ray enjoyed his time as a deputy, saving many lives and even bringing a few into the world. Following this, Ray began his business as a Private Investigator, which he and Mary built together. Ray also was a Certified Firearms Instructor. Ray never shot anything less than a perfect score.
Although Ray was a successful professional, his wife and children were the most important things in his life, and later so were his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Ray enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, coaching football, basketball and baseball, and spending time with his family. Ray also enjoyed being a member and past Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus in Pasadena, the Crown City Barbershop Chorus and the NRA.
He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Mary Talley of Helena, MT; son, Alton Ray, Jr. (Lina) Talley of Ceres, CA.; Daughter, Lisa (Landon) Kleeman of Helena, MT; son, Daniel (Jackie) Talley of Pasadena, CA, and Cheryl Talley of Helena, MT. He has 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, and sisters Gladys Hamett, Barbara Hanson, Linda McCollister and Carolyn Ponte.
He is preceded in death by his parents Alton Joe and Gladys Ponte, stepfather, Joe Ponte Jr. and nephew Billy Don Dudley.
Ray is truly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A Vigil Service is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, February 1st at Retz Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, February 2nd at Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Avenue, with the Rite of Committal immediately following at Forestvale Cemetery. There will be a reception to follow the graveside service at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1867 N. Washington Street. Memorials in Ray’s name are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research, www.stjude.org or to Helena Babe Ruth Baseball Association, P.O. Box 1280, Helena 59624. To offer a condolence or share a memory of Ray, please visit below
Service Schedule
Vigil
6 p.m.
Friday February 1, 2013
Retz Funeral Home
315 East 6th Ave.
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Service
1:30 p.m.
Saturday February 2, 2013
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Interment
to 3 p.m.
Saturday February 2, 2013
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Road
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Vigil
6 p.m.
Friday February 1, 2013
Retz Funeral Home
315 East 6th Ave.
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Service
1:30 p.m.
Saturday February 2, 2013
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Interment
to 3 p.m.
Saturday February 2, 2013
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Road
Helena , Montana 59602
John & Sherri Staats says
Lisa & Family,
We are truly saddened by the loss of your dad. We know what a wonderful man he was. He did so many good things for people within the community. He will be missed by many. I know he is resting in the arms of our Blessed Mother. Our prayers go out to all of you in your time of sorrow.
Karen Frisbie says
Mary and family – I am sorry to read of Ray’s passing. He was a wonderful man and had a great sense of humor. He is resting in the arms of our Lord and Savior now and has no more pain. I’m sorry I haven’t kept in touch to know what is going on with you and your family. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers at your time of lose. If there is anything I can do please let me know. With deepest sympathy. Karen
Doreen Boyer says
Mary – It’s been years since I’ve seen Ray, but still remember what a wonderful man he was. I enjoyed visiting with him when he was serving as the Sargeant at Arms at the Legislature. I was saddened to read of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Doreen
Nancy Primo says
Mary and Family, I am so sorry to hear about Ray’s passing. He was always very nice to me. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Nancy Primo
Jo Wallis says
Mary and Family,
My heart goes out to you and yours. Remember all the good times. It has helped me in my times of sorrow….eases the pain of them not being here anymore. Don’t be afraid to talk to Ray when you need to or just want to.
Love you Mary.
Jo Wallis
Mary F says
To the family of Alton Ray Talley Sr, I offer my condolences. Life is so precious and fragile. Even with this knowledge, it is never easy to say good-bye to our loved ones. May your family find peace and comfort in God’s promises found in the Holy Bible: John 5:28, 29; 1 Corinthians 15: 12 – 22, 26.
Sally Nyland says
Mary and family – Please accept my condolences and know that you are in my thoughts at this difficult time. I knew Ray many years ago when he was working security at the Federal courthouse. I always enjoyed talking with Ray and missed our conversations when he retired. He was such a nice and helpful man. I regret not keeping in touch with him after he retired.
Kim Bowser says
Cheryl and family, I never had the honor of knowing your dad/husband/grandfather, but I know that he was well loved and respected most by his family, this was quite obvious in the way Cheryl talked about him. Just know that I have kept you and your whole family in my prayers. The BESTof God’s love and BLESSINGS THRU OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
Mary & Ray Laumar says
Mary & Family:
We were greatly saddened to hear of Ray’s passing last week. How fortunate we were to be able to re-connect with you, Ray and the entire family at Danny’s wedding last January and catch up on being Pasadena neighbors once upon a time. We will always treasure being the “other” Ray & Mary next door. And we will never forget the night we moved in next door to you all – very late indeed & Ray showed up with coffee and donuts (well after midnight) to welcome us. We miss him greatly.
May the love you shared with Ray light a path through your sorrow to a place of comfort and peace.
Linda Star McCollister says
My Dear Brother today is the first time I saw your obituary. Losing my son your nephew on January 24th 2013 and then you on January 28th 2013 Losing you was more than I could bare. I love you so much and now today February 11 2023. Your Beautiful wife Mary Jane has gone to join you Another heartbreak. I love her as a sister My heart is hurting ❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏🌹🌹🌹