Virgil Ray Stewart

Virgil Ray Stewart “Ray” passed away Saturday March 7, 2026, at UCHealth Greeley Hospital following a short-term illness. Ray was born the second of six children to Virgil R. and Rose W. Stewart, April 6, 1950.

Growing up on the family farm northeast of Ault, Ray started school at the Wyatt School and eventually graduating from Highland High School in 1968. Ray had perfect attendance throughout all his school years, never being late but probably never early either, walking in as the bell rang. He played football, wrestled and ran track. He had a faithful Spitz dog named Buddy, who probably bit everyone but him.

He attended Aims College for a short time and worked for various local farmers and even spent a summer in Kansas working on a dryland farm. Ray worked in construction for many years, mainly with handy man type people. He and a friend did an addition on the family farmhouse and also built a cattle shed at the farm. Through his younger years he developed an interest in martial arts in Judo and Karate. He often spoke of his instructor Mr. Thai as not only an instructor but a good friend. We are not sure but, believe that he was a Black Belt in karate.

Ray ended his career at Woodward Governor in Fort Collins, retiring from there. He lived the majority of his life in Fort Collins, after a few years in Greeley. He enjoyed spending time with friends and was always inquiring if any of us had been to many of the different restaurants that he enjoyed ranging from fast food to fine dining.

Ray lived his own life at his own pace, and in a thoughtful way. Those who knew Ray will remember his independence, work ethic and quiet way he stayed connected with people around him. Not a holiday went by that Ray would show up at a family gathering with a handful of lottery tickets, with each ticket or tickets having the recipients name written on them. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.

Survivors include his five siblings, Suzann Binks (Cliff), Mark Stewart (Robin), Mariann Bledsoe (Tom), RitaAnn Deichert (Luke), Wayne Stewart (Julie), and many nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his parents Virgil and Rose Stewart.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday March 14, 2026 10: a.m., at Adamsons Life Celebration Home, 2000 47th. Avenue, Greeley, CO 80634. Please join friends and family for a small reception of cookies and beverages and memories of Ray. Please omit flowers, but you can plant a tree in Rays’ name as he deeply enjoyed the mountains.