September 27, 1945 - November 30, 2025
A special gift is our brother Russell. Russell Thomas Raby born to Tom and Helen Raby on September 27, 1945 passed away at Monument Hospital, Rapid City, S.D. on November 30, 2025, he was eighty years of age. He is survived by sister June Robinson and husband, Ryle of Broken Arrow, Okla., brother Joseph Raby and wife Nelia of San Diego, Calif., sister Susan Beaver and husband, Walter, of Grand Prairie, Texas, son Thomas Raby and wife, Roseanne, of Rapid City, and three granddaughters, Samantha, Amanda, and Miranda, After graduating Edgemont High School (1963), Russell proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a member of the SEABEAS serving in various duty assignments including Vietnam.
During his Naval service he met his wife of 52 years, Patricia Ann, starting a family with the birth of their first child Lisa Ann. Returning to Edgemont after his Navy service he and Patricia welcomed the birth of their second child Thomas. He started and operated a water well drilling business in the Southwest South Dakota area. When the need for well drilling lessened Russell took to the road operating his own trucking business driving his big rig nationwide. Declining health forced him to retiring home in Edgemont, S.D.
Russell had a heart of gold, a listening ear, and hugging arms with an especially sweet ”Love you” voice. He had many interests enjoying his work, fishing, old television shows, and he just could not get enough pickles and cheese.
Russell is preceded in death by his father, mother, brother Richard, wife Patricia, and daughter Lisa Ann.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs, S.D.