2021/05/obit-boughan106.jpgRaymond W. Boughan passed away peacefully at his home in Pagosa Springs, Colo., on April 12. Ray, as he was known by most people, was born in Breen, Colo., on Dec. 19, 1924, to Judson and Effie Boughan.
Ray was a World War II veteran. Upon returning from the war, he was united in marriage to Rosalie Mae Conner on Feb. 7, 1952, in Aztec, N.M. Ray is survived by his wife, Mae, of the family home. He is also survived by his daughters, Donna Boughan, of Pagosa Springs, Colo.; Janet Hartman and husband David, of South Dakota; and Rhonda McClure and husband Donnie, of Pagosa Springs, Colo. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Sara Laney, Sandra McKibben, Randy Proctor and Tyler Smith; as well as many great- and great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by four sisters-in-law: Blanche Valencia, Mercy Reyholds, Mary Louise (Buddy) Gray and Patty (Bill) Willis; and one brother-in-law, Donnie (Karma) Conner; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
Ray was a cattle rancher for many years in the Durango, Colo., area before moving to Pagosa Springs. He managed the former Tiday Ranch, now known as Aspen Springs Subdivision, before it was sold and subdivided. When the sale was announced, Ray and Mae purchased property in the Bayles School District area, where the family still resides. Ray was known in the area for breeding and producing fine quarter horses and for his many years’ employment as the transportation director for Archuleta County School District. There are many graduates and former students of the Pagosa Springs schools that have stories to tell about Mr. Boughan and his discipline on the buses and his great sense of humor as he liked to play pranks on many. Ray retired to spend time with his horses and that was his greatest enjoyment in life. Ray was active in 4-H and the Pagosa Springs High School Rodeo Club for many years as a leader while his daughters attended school. He loved animals and often said that he preferred them to most people.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents; one son, who died at birth; and his brothers-in-law, Lyle Conner, George Conner, Bob Conner and Denver Smith; and one sister-in-law, Alberta Smith.
Per Ray’s request, no funeral services will be held. His final arrangements were handled by Hood Mortuary and cremation has taken place.
The family would like to thank all of the many “angels” who took care of Ray from Visiting Angels. They would also like to thank all of the staff of Mercy Home Health and Hospice for their outstanding care.
