Raye Elsberry

Raye LaVerne Elsberry, 73, of Three Forks, Montana (formerly of Centennial, Colorado) passed away on Monday, September 19, 2011. Raye was born with her twin sister Kaye on July 23, 1939 in Sheridan, Wyoming to Raymond and Julia (Gollier) Bottomley. She grew up in Billings, Montana, graduated from Billings Senior High School and later attended Rocky Mountain College. Raye married Robert Elsberry on September 26, 1970 in Denver, Colorado and together they raised three sons Jeffrey, Stephen and Scott. She owned and operated a beauty shop called Madison Exchange Hair and Nails for over 20 years. Raye loved skiing; travelling, especially to destinations with beautiful beaches and warm water; gardening and yardwork; cooking, she would often times put up a big spread for family and friends; and dogs, she had Great Danes, heelers and will be sorely missed by Zoe. She also enjoyed singing and playing the piano and was active in community theatre. Raye and Robert, both very active people, recently moved to and retired in Three Forks in order to live closer to their family. They bought a house and while doing some remodeling Raye called herself #8220;Bob#8217;s Grunt#8221;. Raye will be deeply missed by many, but as she would say #8220;You can mourn for a day or two, but then you have to get back to work#8221;. Raye was preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Julia (Gollier) Bottomley, son Stephen and sister Helen. Raye is survived by her husband Robert; sisters Kaye of Billings and Ruth of Yuma, Arizona; sons Jeffrey (Denise) of Denver and Scott (Lynda) of Belgrade; and numerous grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Colorado. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the MaxFund no kill animal and adoption center, 1025 Galapago St., Denver, CO 80204 or www.maxfund.org.