Elton Ray Hodgson, 79

        Elton Ray Hodgson, 79, passed away March 12, 2014, at his home in Helena, Mont., surrounded by his family after a three-month battle with cancer.

The family will hold a celebration of Ray’s life in Bonners Ferry when his grandson Dylan returns from his deployment in Afghanistan.

Ray was born on May 11, 1934, to Merl and Verna (Pugh) Hodgson in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Ray attended Bonners Ferry High School, but left before completing his senior year to work in logging and construction.

On June 7, 1958, Ray married Barbara (Jody) Hodgson in Bonners Ferry. He logged for various companies from 1954 through 1983 and also worked construction for various companies from 1984 through 2000.

Ray’s favorite job was working for Centerline Construction in Rathdrum, Idaho. After retirement Ray and Jody moved to Helena, Mont. Ray enjoyed working in the garden with his youngest granddaughter Jamie by his side. Ray also oversaw storage units. He would drive around on his John Deere tractor making sure all was well. He knew everyone who came and went!

His family all called him “grumpy. ” This was said with respect for the man that showed nothing but pride for his family. He was proud of each and every one of us. Rays favorite saying was “I haven’t had a bad day yet.”

Ray loved music and played several different musical instruments by ear. Ray and his mother played and wrote songs together. Ray’s sister, Ellen, and niece Stacy, learned and played these songs for Ray in his final days.

Ray is survived by his wife Jody, Helena; son Mike Hodgson, Athol, Idaho; John (Gerianne) Hodgson, Post Falls, Idaho; Debra (John) Vanscyoc, Athol; Ralene (Gary) Wilson, Helena; grandchildren Jodeen Wilson, Janelle Wilson, and Jamie Wilson, all from Helena; Kyle Hodgson and Garrett Hodgson, Athol; Dylan Hodgson and Cody Hodgson, Post Falls; and sister Jenny (Don) Lovell, Ione, Wash., Linda Reffert of Oregon and Ellen Berlfein of Texas.

Ray was preceded in death by his father Merl Hodgson, mother Verna Hodgson, brother Roy Allen Hodgson, son Steven Ray Hodgson and daughter Jodeen Ellen Hodgson.

His family will love him forever – rest in peace.

To offer condolences, please visit www.helenafunerals.com