Ray Bjornestad

Ray Nore Bjornestad, 91, died in St. George, UT on February 7, 2014 of problems incident to old age. He was born in Billings, MT on April 21, 1922, but raised in Ten Sleep, Wyoming. His parents were Bernt S. and Bertha L. Nore Bjornestad whose families were from Norway.

He served for 3 years in the Navy in the South Pacific during World War II. After his service in the Navy he became a rancher and had 7 children with his first wife, Vera Jean Jones.

At the time of his death he was living in St. George, Utah with his present wife of 23 years, Shirley Zirker Mathews. They were married in the Jordan River LDS Temple in 1991 and served a mission to Jackson, TN in 1994-1995.

He was preceded in death by his three daughters, Bernice, Rita Ann, and Sonja Rae. He is survived by 4 sons Russell Glenn, Lyle Raymond, Howard Lee, and Alan Brent; and his 3 brothers Orval Warren, Bernard Christian, and Arthur William (Bill); He also had 6 step-children Michael Reed, Jan, Lisa, Gregory Howard, and Karen Mathews, and Marquita Stevens. He also has many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 10:30am at The Meadows Club Room located at 950 S. 400 E., St. George, Utah.