Obituary of Howard Raymond Hope

"Bud" Hope passed away on December 7, 2016 peacefully at his home. Ray was born April 27, 1922 in Simla, Colorado to Luther Lee and Mary Esther (Wyatt) Hope. He married Ruth Schellenberg on October 4, 1958 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They made their home in Colorado Springs and Simla to this date. Ray served in the Naval Air Corps during WWII, from October 1942 to November 1945, as both an instructor and coast patrol. Raymond was the owner/operator of the Simla Telephone Exchange and later, was a partner at The Big Sandy Telecom after a merger. Mr. Hope was the local Independent Insurance Agency owner. Ray and Ruth were avid travelers, with golf or ballroom dance as the theme. Ray's passion for golf was displayed on his auto license plate as RADAR; this wasn't speed, but his holes in one. He enjoyed bowling, where he had at least one sanctioned 300 game. The couple danced the night away for decades, enjoying social and competitive ballroom. Raymond was active since the days of Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire studios, having showcases this year after his 94th birthday. Ray and Ruth were decades-long members of the Colorado Springs Country Club, where they both were great golfers. He was proud to be a Bandito. His dance with Best of Ballroom Studio kept him active and interested. Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; his father, Luther; his mother, Esther; his sisters, Roxie and Margaret; and his brother, Merle. Raymond is survived by nephew, John Nance; nieces, Kathy Hope and Esther Nance-Beck; many cousins from the families of Wyatt, Watkins, and Lieber; many great-nephews and nieces; and friends galore! Rest in peace sir. Memorial Service, 1:00PM, Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at Colorado Springs Country Club, 3333 Templeton Gap Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80907. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ray's memory to the charity of your choice.Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Service Tuesday, December 13, 2016 1:00PM Colorado Springs Country Club 3333 Templeton Gap Road Colorado Springs, CO 80907 Phone: 719-634-8851