Submit a PhotoMilton Ray Sherwood passed away on March 14, 2025 after a brief health challenge in Gilbert, AZ. He was 96 years old.
Ray was born on September 16, 1928 in Eagar, AZ. He was the 13th of 14 children of Dan Junius and Sophronia Brown Sherwood. Ray was raised on a ranch in Richville, AZ in an industrious and happy family. In the evenings, after a hard day’s work, they would sit around by the fireplace popping corn, eating apples and telling stories. Ray said that nearly every night was family night at their house. In his teen years, the Sherwood family moved to Phoenix, AZ where Ray graduated from North Phoenix High School.
Ray married his sweetheart, Helen Becraft, on November 18,1950 in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Shortly after getting married, he served 7 months in the Army. Helen and Ray were parents to 6 children: Ruth, Connie, Karl, Paul, Stan and Don. Ray was a devoted husband and father. He and Helen lovingly raised their children in Arizona and Arkansas. Ray had many jobs throughout the years including selling real estate, building mobile homes and he even owned a grocery store. Ray particularly loved running his dairy farm. Ray and Helen cherished many years watching their sons, Stan, Karl and Don, raise their families in Arkansas. Throughout the years, Ray and Helen also lived in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah and Missouri.
Ray loved to serve his neighbors and the people in his communities. He was devoted to service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. As a young man, Ray went on a mission for the Church in the Central Atlantic States Mission from 1948-1950. Ray served in many callings including Branch President and Bishop in Conway, Arkansas and later as Branch President in Granby, Missouri. Ray and Helen also ministered together as senior missionaries for the Church in the Nashville Tennessee Mission from 1991-1992.
In the later years of Helen’s life, they moved from Arkansas to Utah where Ray lived with his daughter Ruth, while caring for Helen until her death in 2012. Ray once again returned to his beloved Arkansas where he continued working until his 90th birthday. When he finally retired, Ray moved to Gilbert, AZ to be near his son Paul, and his family. Ray continued to live there in his own home until his passing.
Ray will always be remembered for his loving and kind disposition, service to others, faith, sense of humor and cherished way of teasing. He made friends everywhere he went because he was so easy to love. He will be greatly missed!
Ray is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and wife Helen Becraft Sherwood (2012). He is also preceded in death by three of his children: Connie Rae Sherwood (2006), Karl Milton Sherwood (2008), Don Merwin Sherwood (2010), and grandson Seth Thompson Sherwood (2021).
Ray is survived by Ruth Porter (Lanny) of Orem, UT, Paul Sherwood (Shauna) of Gilbert, AZ, Stan Sherwood (Sue) of Guy, AR, and Elaine Sherwood Wallace (widow of Karl Sherwood) of Greenbrier, AR. Ray was loved, adored and celebrated by 22 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild, each of whom will tell you they are his very favorite!
Funeral Services:
March 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
3775 South Greenfield Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297.
Graveside Service:
Orem City Cemetery
April, 5 2025 at 2:00 PM
1520 N 800 E, Orem, UT
Funeral may be viewed online – Please see link below.
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I have fond memories of Ray and Helen. They are kind, gentle and loving people who gave so much to this area.
I have always loved Uncle Ray and Aunt Helen. . .they were always so loving and happy. . .I remember going to their dairy when they lived in Mesa, our family would visit them and spend the day. Ray and my dad, Leonard, were close in age and spirit. They have been a blessing in our lives as far back as I can remember.
Our sincerest condolences Ruth. We had the pleasure of meeting him briefly. He must have been something to have raised a daughter like you. You are thought of with love.
I’m so sad that he is gone but so happy for him! What a wonderful reunion that must have been with Helen, Connie, Don and other loved ones! Uncle Ray was one in a million! He was so funny and so kind. I will miss him. Sending love to all the family.
I had the pleasure of getting to know Ray a bit when he lived in our ward in Orem UT with Ruth & Lanny. I grew up in Ramah NM in the St John’s stake and was familiar with the Sherwood name, so I was excited to get to know one of them. Ray was a very friendly and bright-minded man and I enjoyed visiting with him, and comparing backgrounds. We even found that we are related through the Mangum line. I’m glad for him that he is back with his wife now, and his 3 children who passed before him. I’m sure they are happy to be together again. Thanks, Ray, for being a light in so many people’s lives.
I will always cherish the many fond memories of Uncle Ray and Aunt Helen. The many times I did babysitting for them while they served in their church callings. Uncle Ray’s teasing, Aunt Helen’s sweet and caring ways. There’s many, many more memories I cherish. I know he is happy to be with those who had gone on before him. What a glorious reunion it must be. My thoughts and prayers for all the family, I love you all.
I remember Uncle Ray & Aunt Helen well. He was our brother-in-law’s brother, so we were around them a lot. We helped them move from New Mexico to Arkansas. At one of our gas stops someone asked him if we were all his wives. He was the only man & all of us women. It was so funny. We felt like part of their family . Love them & their kids
The Stokes boys that grew up with Ray and his children in the church offer our condolences & prayers to the family. We love the Sherwoods! Ray was a joy to be around at church events and basketball games. He is now being blessed by Heavenly Fathers next phase of His plan of happiness!
Ruth even though I didn’t know your dad I remember you talking about him. My sincere condolences to you.
You will always be one of my treasured friends.