Ray William Kesler, 81 of Malad, and husband of Raona Sjostrom Clark Kesler, passed away Monday, Jun 22, 1998, at the Bannock Regional Medical Center in Pocatello.

He was born April 1, 1917, in Milford, Utah, a one of Frederick Clark and Nettie Mae White Kesler. He attended schools in Utah, California, and Idaho, and graduated from Mackay High School, with the Class of 1933. In 1933 the family moved to Blackfoot. He married Helen Verna Christensen December 24, 1937, in Blackfoot and the marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They later divorced.

For several years he was in the grocery business and the building supply business, later he owned and operated the “Y” Motel for 25 years.

On September 18, 1970, he married Raona Ann Sjostrom Clark in Elko, Nevada, and their marriage was later solemnized in the Jordan River LDS Temple. In 1976 they moved to Challis and from 1979 – 1992 resided in Jerome. In 1992 they moved to Malad, where they have since lived. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as a counselor in five bishoprics, several years in scouting, and many teaching positions. In 1985-1989 he and Raona served two 18 month L.D.S. missions, to Vancouver, Canada and Nashville, Tennessee. He also served as a Stake Mission President and as a member of the High Council.

He is survived by his wife, Raona of Malad; 1 son; Brent Ray (Kathy) Kesler of Brookings, Oregon; 4 daughters; Karen Harsh of Pocatello; Kathy (Larry) Housley; Cheryl Christine Moss; Brenda Rae (Jay) Johnson, all of Idaho Falls; 26 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren; 1 brother; Jack (Roma) Kesler of Blackfoot; 1 stepson; Kevin Lynn (Nanette) Clark of Manteca, California; 4 stepdaughters; Karen (Jeff) Ellertson of Roseville, California; Raelynn (Steve) Houser of Billings, Montana; Launa (Verl) Romrell of Belgrade, Montana; 28 step-grandchildren and 4 step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers; Clark Leroy and Ross Burnell Kesler, 1 great grandson and 1 step great-granddaughter.

Funeral services were held Friday June 27, 1998. Burial was in the Fielding Memorial Cemetery in Idaho Falls.