Raymond "Ray” Pike

Raymond “Ray” Pike, 89, of Draper, South Dakota, died on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Avera Maryhouse in Pierre, South Dakota.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the Draper Auditorium in Draper, South Dakota. The family greeted friends one hour prior to the service. Burial followed at Draper Cemetery.

Ray was born October 28, 1936, to Gordon and Nettie (Redmond) Pike. He grew up in Martin, South Dakota, where he attended school, and also spent one year attending school in Belvidere, South Dakota. The rest of his education was received from the school of hard knocks and determination. Ray grew up with his three brothers, Bill, Gordon, and Robert.

Ray was a true cowboy at heart and spent his life working hard and staying busy. Over the years, he worked as an electrician, truck driver, and rancher. He married the love of his life, Janice Cressy, on January 1, 1956. Together, they raised two daughters and built a life centered around family, hard work, and the things they enjoyed most.

Ray had many interests and talents. He enjoyed woodworking, Dutch oven cooking, fishing, and wagon trains. One of his greatest joys was attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and cheering them on. His love for his community and its young people was evident when he was honored as Jones County’s Fan of the Year.

Ray will be remembered for his cowboy spirit, his willingness to work, his love of family, and the many memories he created with those around him.

Ray is survived by his wife of 70 years, Janice Pike, his daughter, Sandra Jean (Tim) Zibell; son-in-law, Bob Rankin; five grandchildren, Andy (Jill) Rankin, Kati (Drew) Venard, Tyler (Chelsee) Rankin, Jessica (Ross) Giblet, and Clayton (Cara) Zibell; and 12 great-grandchildren, Riley (Addy) Rankin, Joey Rankin, Brayden Venard, Braxton Zibell, Eric Giblet, Peyton Rankin, Mallory Venard, Addison Rankin, Landry Giblet, Tenley Venard, Hatti Giblet, and Laramie Zibell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Nettie Pike; his brothers, Bill, Gordon, and Robert; and his daughter, Susan Rankin.