Raymond Yost, 91, went home to meet the Lord on Friday, Dec. 28, 2007. Ray was born to William L. and Emma (Struck) Yost in Minnesota on Monday, Aug. 14, 1916. He grew up and attended schools in the Albert Lea area.

On Oct. 3, 1942, he married Harriet Stemsrud. He left for the U.S. Army on Oct. 7, 1942. He was a decorated veteran and received the Purple Heart as he was wounded in Italy and returned home in 1945. He was employed in the retail business at Skinner Chamberlain and Co. and he retired from the J.C. Penney Company.

He was active in the Episcopal Church, The American Legion, on the Board of Junior Achievement, County Republican Party, Chamber of Commerce, on the Board of Directors of Skinner Chamberlain and Co.-Flix Lilenthal, Namco of New York.

In 1980 after Ray retired they moved to Palm Springs, Calif., where they became very active in the Episcopal Church. Ray was a vestry member and an usher for 25 years. Ray also was a member of the Board of Directors for the Desert Blind and Handicapped and he and Harriet started the Thrift Shop in 1982.

He will be missed by many, especially is wife who has said, He was my husband, my lover, my friend, confidant and prayer partner.

Memorial services and entombment were held Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul in the Desert, 125 W. El Alameda, Palm Springs. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Building Fund at St. Paul in the Desert, Christ Church Elevator Fund (Minnesota) or the Desert Bind and Handicapped.

In addition to his wife Harriet, he is survived by very precious nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews and great grand nieces and nephews &045;&045; each one a blessing.

Many thanks to care givers at Windsor Court, Premier Care and Odyssey Health care.