Longtime Monte Vista resident Raymond Nathan Skeff, 83, passed away on April 7, 2022. He was born on July 5, 1938, in Center, Colo., to Kelley H. and Margaret M. (Sawaya) Skeff.
Ray graduated from Center high School in 1956. He joined the United States Army in January of 1962 and was honorably discharged in December of 1963. In his younger years he worked for the family grocery store in Center, where he learned how to manage a successful business. In 1985, he joined hands with his brother Herbert to operate Skeff’s Service Center and later he opened another store, the Skeff’s Furniture Showcase in Monte Vista until he retired in 2002.
Ray was a very community-oriented person and that was reflected in his life, whether it was serving on a local board or donating his time or money to local community organizations. He served on the Rio Grande Hospital Foundation Board and the Adams State University Foundation Board.
He took pride in seeing the community of Monte Vista improve. Ray was awarded as Man of the Year in 2002. On March 31, 2022, a ceremony was held to dedicate the newly named Ray and Colette Nature Trail. His legacy in Monte Vista will live on in the hearts of the community for years to come.
Ray was known for his generosity, his wit, and the ability to make people laugh with his wonderful stories. Also, he loved animals, especially his own (Mustard, Luke and Noah).
After his retirement he wrote a book of poems that were witty, amusing and so funny. He enjoyed sharing them, which brought him enjoyment and he always asked which one they liked the most.
Ray was also known for his collection of 13 classic cars. He loved the chance to enter them in local parades. He gifted some to family and friends and donated others to organizations for fundraisers. The one he especially loved was a 1981 Cadillac Eldorado which he donated to the Rio Grande Hospital. What a memory it was to have the experience of entering the car in the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., where the proceeds were presented to the hospital.
He is survived by his wife Colette Skeff of Monte Vista, his brother, Kelley Skeff of Brookdale, Calif., and his sister Sadie Skeff of Center, Colo., nieces and their children.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Herbert Skeff, Roger Skeff, Joseph Skeff and George Skeff as well as his sister Betty Skeff, nieces and their children.
Cremation was selected and a memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on April 14, 2022, at the Monte Vista United Methodist Church. Contributions are suggested to the Rio Grande Hospital and may be made in care of the funeral home office.
To leave online remembrances, words of comfort and tributes for Ray’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.