Raymond (Ray) Joseph Miller, 83, long-time Baca County farmer/rancher, passed away Wednesday, June 13 ^th , 2018, at his home, surrounded by his family, following a courageous fight with cancer.

Ray was born on March 7 ^th , 1935 in Brighton, CO to John and Lydia (Kahm) Miller.

Ray grew up on farms around the Eastlake & Brighton area. He attended school at Eastlake, Moreland, & Brighton.

Ray married Dorthy (Dolly) Hield, of Denver, in 1953. To this union, two children were born, Ray in 1953, and Gail June in 1955.

Ray worked at a floor company and later at Scott Truck Line as a city driver.

Ray married Sharen Jean Nichols, of Flagler, CO on April 11 ^th , 1964.  They resided in Northglenn, CO.  While living in Northglenn, two daughters were born to them, Debra Jean in 1968 and Jenelle Louise in 1970.

In April 1971, Ray and Sharen moved their family to Walsh, CO.  There, they went into a farming partnership with Sharen's brother, Dean and Dorthy Nichols.  Later, Ray and Sharen went into farming and ranching on their own south of Two Buttes. Shortly after this, a son was born to them, Justin Ty in 1977.  Besides farming, Ray also ran cattle out of his feedlot.  Dad loved to cowboy, and he cherished many happy memories spent in the saddle, moving cattle, rounding up cattle, working cattle, etc.  He could be counted on to help round up cattle lost in more than a couple blizzards.

In 1991, Ray ran for Baca County Commissioner.  He would serve as county commissioner for 14 yrs.  Those 14 yrs were some of his proudest accomplishments.  Dad also served on the Sherriff's Posse. Dad loved this county!  He loved the people of this county!  He took great pride in making it a better place!

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Nicholas, John and Joseph (Joe), two sisters, Geraldine (Gerri)  and Lydia, and one daughter, Gail June.

Ray is survived by his wife, Sharen, two sons, Ray Jr. and wife, Linda (Loveland, CO) and Justin and wife, Julie (McClave, CO), and two daughters, Debra and husband, DeWayne (Los Alamos, NM) and Jenelle, and husband, William (Two Buttes, CO and Waco, TX, respectively).  He is also survived by a tassel of 21 grandchildren, that he lovingly referred to as his 'legacy', Lurlene Miller (Loveland, CO), Brian Miller and wife, Rebecca (Loveland, CO), Michelle Fulton and husband, Josh (Norco,CA), Shalee Britton (Thibodaux, LA), Michael Chadwick and wife, Kate (Broomfield, CO), Zachary Chadwick and wife, Stormi (Englewood, CO), Chase Britton and wife, Rachel (Tampa, FL), Emily Chadwick & Jessica Chadwick (Shawnee, OK), Caleb Britton (Tampa, FL), Kaylee, Bethany, Hadassah, Abriannah, Amanda-Grace, Joshua, Josiah & Jonathan Britton (Los Alamos, NM) and Tyanne, Jason and Eliana Miller (McClave, CO); and 10 great-grandchildren, Alexis Ray, Brooklyn, Aubrey, Owen, Autumn, Lucas, Trenton, Ruby, Addie and Rowan.  Ray is also survived by three sisters, Rose Marie Horst (Denver, CO), Christine (Chris) Dietz (Denver, CO), and Lorraine (Rainne) Miller (Casper, WY); also, nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.

On a last but serious note, the man who for most of his life wanted to be thought of as a self-made man, who didn't see much of a need for God in his life, is now safely in the arms of Jesus, as he met his Savior on March 11 ^th , 2018.  On that day, Ray received a new heart!  And with that, he buried the man that his family had known prior to that day, and never looked back.  It has been a beautiful thing to see a man so changed.  Where once had been a hardened man, we saw a man who was now softened, with a tender heart toward his family and neighbors.  Ray will be so missed as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle and friend.  We know he is not dead, he is alive and catching up with loved ones and friends in his new heavenly home.  That is something he was looking forward to the last few months of his life.  He said it was going to be some kind of reunion, and he was looking forward to it.

Funeral services for Baca County resident, Raymond (Ray) J. Miller will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 21 ^st , at the Springfield Baptist Chapel with Pastor Bill Ulrey officiating.  Graveside services and interment will follow at the Flagler Cemetery at 2 p.m., Friday, June 22nd.

Visitation will be held at Springfield Baptist Chapel from 8 a.m to 9:30 a.m., Thursday, June 21 ^st .

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Southeast Colorado Hospital, or Southeast Colorado Hospice.  Dad wanted everyone to know how much he appreciated the fine care he had while he was in both the hospital and at home with home health and hospice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Dykes Funeral Home.  To share online condolences with the family, please visit:  dykesmemorialchapel.com/obituary/raymond-miller

THE HEART ~ Author Unknown

"Tomorrow morning," the surgeon began, "I'll open up your heart..."

"You'll find Jesus there," the boy interrupted.

The surgeon looked up, annoyed "I'll cut your heart open," he continued, to see how much damage has been done..."

"But when you open up my heart, you'll find Jesus in there," said the boy.

The surgeon looked to the parents, who sat quietly. "When I see how much damage has been done, I'll sew your heart and chest back up, and I'll plan what to do next."

"But you'll find Jesus in my heart. The Bible says He lives there. The hymns all say He lives there. You'll find Him in my heart."

The surgeon had had enough. "I'll tell you what I'll find in your heart. I'll find damaged muscle, low blood supply, and weakened vessels. And I'll find out if I can make you well."

"You'll find Jesus there too. He lives there."

The surgeon left.  The surgeon sat in his office, recording his notes from the surgery, "...damaged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein, widespread muscle degeneration. No hope for transplant, no hope for cure. Therapy: painkillers and bed rest. Prognosis:, " here he paused, "death within one year."

He stopped the recorder, but there was more to be said. "Why?" he asked aloud. "Why did You do this? You've put him here; You've put him in this pain; and You've cursed him to an early death. Why?"

The Lord answered and said, "The boy, My lamb, was not meant for your flock for long, for he is a part of My flock, and will forever be. Here, in My flock, he will feel no pain, and will be comforted as you cannot imagine. His parents will one day join him here, and they will know peace, and My flock will continue to grow."

The surgeon's tears were hot, but his anger was hotter. "You created that boy, and You created that heart. He'll be dead in months. Why?"

The Lord answered, "The boy, My lamb, shall return to My flock, for He has Done his duty: I did not put My lamb with your flock to lose him, but to retrieve another lost lamb."

The surgeon wept…

The surgeon sat beside the boy's bed; the boy's parents sat across from him.

The boy awoke and whispered, "Did you cut open my heart?"

"Yes," said the surgeon.

"What did you find?" asked the boy.

"I found Jesus there," said the surgeon.  (And so did Ray, on March 11 ^th , 2018, as after he read this, he said he needed this, and Dad found Jesus that day!)