LORETTE, Ray Morton

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Friday, July 11, 2003 Ray Morton Lorette, 82, of Sun City, passed away July 9, 2003. Born in Billings, Oklahoma, to Eva Jane and Earl Lorette, Ray was raised in Mazie, Oklahoma where his parents owned a registered hereford ranch. He attended Tulsa University for two years. Ray traveled on the National Livestock show circuit for Dan Thorntons White Mountain Ranch and was in Los Angeles when World War II was declared. Ray married CIeo Margaret Evans in Phoenix, Arizona and enlisted in the Air Force. Attached to the Corps of Engineers he served four years in Presque Isle, Maine and Manchester, New Hampshire. After an honorable discharge as a Tech/Sgt., he was accepted into Paul Litchfields Adaman Apprentice Farmers Program in Litchfield Park, AZ. The Adaman Farmers group was a project of Paul W. Litchfield to help veterans who could not otherwise buy land for farming. After passing a two year apprenticeship they were given eighty acres of raw desert land to clear and farm. Most had young families and shared equipment and labor. They paid the going rate of interest for their land and small home. During this period Ray attended Agribusiness classes at Arizona State University, was actively involved in Arizona and National Livestock shows, a local leader of Future Farmers of America, and was a sponsor of the young people's activities at the Litchfield Community Church. He also served as President of the Royal Palm Little League and manager of Gerber Vegetable Farms. Ray was a loan analyst for Production Credit Association and the Arizona, New Mexico and Texas field representative for Tri-State Livestock Credit Corp. A heart attack in 1984 led to his retirement. After recovery he was rehired as a consultant. He retired for the second time at the age of 81. Rays love of horses and riding began as a youngster. He became a member of the Maricopa County Mounted Sheriff's Posse in 1950. He credits this organization for his most precious and enduring friendships. As a member he contributed to search and rescue activities, hunter and jumper shows, state roundups, parades, summer rides, camp outs, and dinner/dances. Ray served as treasurer for ten years and president in 1969. He has been honored as a Life member, Cowboy of the Year and Posseman of the Year. Ray is survived by: Cleo Lorette (wife), Michael Lorette (son), Renee Lorette Watt (daughter), Sheri Lynn Lorette (daughter), Earlene Lorette Herman (sister), 8 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Services for Ray will be private. Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Chapel, 6830 W. Thunderbird Rd., Peoria.