A Mass of Christian Burial for 73-year old Raymond “Ray” Ecoffey will be Tuesday, Dec 14, 2021 at 10:00 at St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Hot Springs, SD, with Father Gran Gerlach and Deacon Craig officiating.
Burial will be Held At A Later Date at the Evergreen Cemetery in Hot Springs, SD
Visitation is Mon, Dec 13, from 6-7:00 at St Anthony of Padua with a Rosary Service starting at 7:00 PM.
Raymond Ross Ecoffey was born on December 27, 1947 in Pine Ridge, SD to Edward Ross Ecoffey and Lydia Mae (Janis) Ecoffey. Raymond passed away on December 6, 2021 at the Fall River Health Care Hospital in Hot Springs, SD.
Raymond married Sylvia Bergen on April 7th, 1970 in Hot Springs, SD and to this union two children were born, Robert & Raelynn.
In the beginning, Raymond and Sylvia relocated to California where Ray would attend welding school where he excelled and finished as one of the best welders/machinists. After completing his training, Ray and Sylvia moved to Helena, MT where Ray was a smelter.
After some time in Montana, the family moved to Wyoming where Ray was employed as a machinist and would work on a variety of items that were brought to him for repairs from the oil fields and mines.
Ray quickly grew a name for himself and was known as “Ray Bestest”, because he was the best welder/machinist in the area by the quality and craftsmanship he put in all of his work.
Ray and Sylvia eventually moved back to Hot Springs where Ray took a position with the City as City Mechanic. After some time passed, Ray accepted a job at city the Water Department.
Ray always looked to master his craft and would go on to earn multiple certificates such as a Class III Water Treatment Certificate, Class II Waste Water Certificate, Class III Water Distribution Certificate, and a Class II Waste Water Collection Certificate.
Soon after moving to Hot Springs, friends and other people in town found out Ray was a very talented Machinist and plumber and would help anyone who would call upon to utilize his skills, often never accepting anything in return; Ray would even help weld the piping that was installed in the Mueller Center in downtown Hot Springs.
Ray also represented his ward within Hot Springs as a three term councilman, where he made sure everyone’s concerns were brought to the table.
After spending 13 years of working at the City of Hot Springs Water Department, Ray accepted a job with the Oglala Sioux Tribe overseeing the installation of Mni Wiconi Project on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
With all his education with the Water Department, Ray oversaw all the operations of the Mni Wiconi Project for two years before he took a job for the Prairie Wind Casino as the Head of Maintenance.
After some years working with the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Ray decided it was time to start slowing down and enjoy more time with his family.
Ray enjoyed fishing with his son, spending time with his grandchildren and great granddaughter, drawing beautiful charcoal drawings for his family and friends, and enjoying his free time at home.
Ray was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, where he received his First Holy Communion and was Confirmed. Ray and his family attended mass regularly and believed very strongly in his faith.
Ray leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Sylvia; sister, Sharon Bales; son, Robert Ecoffey; daughter, Raelynn Ecoffey and her daughter, Haven Akers; grandchildren, Taliah Hildebrand, Xzerci Lamont, Lauren Hildebrand, and Devin Lamont; great granddaughter, Dakota Rayne Lamont; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members, all beloved by Ray.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Lydia Rose Ecoffey; siblings, Paul “Barnes” Ecoffey, Ed Ecoffey, Ted Ecoffey, Hobert Ecoffey, Robert Janis, and Roland Eagle; sisters, Lenora Dowty, Jodene Salway, Lynn Mousseaux, and Michelle McKinney; paternal grandparents, Joe and Rose Ecoffey; and maternal grandparents, Josephine Rooks and George Janis.
Pallbearers will be Pat Evans Jr, Ross Sands, Nathan Rasmussen, Paul Wayne Ecoffey, Shawn Mousseaux, Billy Bales, Xzerci Lamont, and Elijah Goodicksen.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff & Andi Claerbout, Cliff Schunot & Mary Kennedy, Tom & Janet Naasz, Patty White Eyes & Joe Matsamas, Larry & Sandy Swimmer, George Ecoffey, and All of Ray’s Beloved Family & Friends.
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD