Raymond Lewis Elder

Raymond Lewis Elder, 66, died on June 16 at Kindred Hospital in Denver. Ray was born to Norma Eilee “Lee” Elder and Raymond Louis Elder March 30th, 1946 in Pueblo at Corwin Hospital. Ray grew up very happily, enjoying the mountains and everything Colorado has to offer including camping, hunting and fishing – a legacy from his dad. He attended Columbian Elementary, Corwin Junior High and graduated from South High School in 1964. During these years he proudly became an Eagle Scout. Through High School he enjoyed running track and was very active in school activities. Ray graduated in 1969 from CSU with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and took a job with Gates Rubber Company shortly thereafter. He was a mechanical design engineer there for 30 years. One of Ray’s many professional accomplishments included a patent in the automotive industry. Ray was married to Peggy Strilich Marshall from 1967 to 1990 and had two children, Ranee Lynn Elder and Thomas Raymond Elder. They enjoyed many wonderful family activities together among which trips to Lake Powell, waterskiing, river rafting, snow skiing and going to the State Fair in Pueblo. In 1991, Ray met Cathy Ponzi whom he married July 19th, 1997 at the Fort in Morrison. Together, they discovered Ray’s love for dancing. Initially they focused on Country & Western and later they added ballroom dancing. During their many trips and cruises, their dancing turned heads. Ray loved to play cards with his friends from the Littleton Elks Club and belonged to several ranges where he enjoyed clay shooting, target shooting and black powder shooting. He won many prizes in the Leadville black powder rendezvous. Ray also became an avid gun collector. During the last few years, Ray lived for his family and particularly his grandchildren. Ray lived a beautiful life. He was loved by many and treated everyone with the utmost respect and kindness. He will be greatly missed. Ray is survived by his wife, Cathy Elder of Denver; daughter Ranee Lynn Elder of Denver; son Thomas Raymond (Eden) Elder of Littleton and their children Finnegan and Kieran Elder; sister Cynda Kay (Kenny) Perse of Salida; niece Krystal Kay (Jason) Micklich of Canon City; and several cousins. Funeral Service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 21 at George McCarthy Historic Chapel, 400 Broadway Avenue, Pueblo CO 81004. Interment will follow at New Hope Cemetery, on the corner of County Road 19 and County Road 105, Wetmore CO 81253. Donations may be made to Fore Our Fathers (foreourfathers.org) and sent to Tom Elder, 6576 S. Oak Circle, Littleton CO 80127.