Raymond Alexander LeVitre

Raymond Alexander LeVitre passed away at the age of 77 on July 3, 2021 in South Jordan, Utah. Born with his twin brother, Richard, on October 28, 1943, to Ray and Esther LeVitre, he was the middle of five kids. He was raised in South Salt Lake and graduated from Granite High School in 1961. His first job was at Pardoe Floral in South Salt Lake which is where he first developed a green thumb and a love for flowers. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the England, Southwest British Mission, and also served in the United States Army reserve. Upon returning from his mission, Ray attended the University of Utah. It was love at first sight when he met Judy Strong at a church dance in March 1966 and the two were married later that year in the Salt Lake Temple on September 15, 1966. Ray cultivated his love for gardening and plants for 11 years while working in the greenhouses in Sandy. He grew some of the most beautiful Poinsettias that friends and family had ever seen. In 1977, Ray began working as a police officer for Murray City. In his 20 years on the force, he served as both a patrolman and a detective and ticketed more drunk drivers than anyone on the force! His children and grandchildren all loved to hear him recall the endless stories and experiences he had as an officer; there is no doubt that he loved serving the community. He retired from the police force in 1997 and began working in finance for Merrill Lynch and later, for his son Ray E. LeVitre.

Ray was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities, but his most favorite calling was that of a genealogy specialist; he cherished the time he spent working with his brother Richard doing work for their ancestors. Together, Ray and Richard submitted nearly 50,000 family names to the temple. Whenever he had the opportunity to share a story of his ancestors, his countenance radiated pure joy in the work he had done for them and the things he had learned. In addition to genealogy work, he loved gardening and yardwork, fishing, history, and time with his family.

Ray was a dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He and Judy had 4 children, and later adopted another daughter. Their family has now grown to include 20 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. Ray has left a legacy of faith, love, and kindness. There is no doubt that he was greeted on the other side by the countless ancestors he loved and knew through his work in family history. He lived his life to the fullest, with purpose, hard work and dedication to everything he involved himself in. His presence will be missed, but we know his love will continue to be felt beyond the grave.

Ray is survived by his wife, Judy; and his five children, Ray Jr. (Erin), Randy (Becky), Jillynne (Tom) VonGostomski , Jann LeVitre (Nolan Mitchell), Katrina (David) Knight; 20 grandchildren; 5 great- grandchildren; his twin brother Richard LeVitre; and sister Jeannene LeVitre.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the love and care received from Symbii Home Health and Hospice, and a special thanks to Lori, Teresa, and Danny for the individual love and care they shared.

A viewing will be held on Friday, July 16, 2021 from 6-8:00 pm at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 S. Redwood Rd. Taylorsville, Utah. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 17, 2021, 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4200 W. Skye Drive (9800 S.), South Jordan, Utah, with a viewing being held prior from 10:00 to 10:45. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens.

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