Dr. Ramon Harmon Schmutz

Dr. Ramon Harmon Schmutz, 88, a devoted veterinarian, accomplished team roper, lifelong rancher, and passionate outdoorsman, passed away peacefully November 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Saint George, UT August 29, 1937, he grew up with an innate love for animals and the land. That early devotion shaped the course of his life, guiding him to pursue veterinary medicine. he graduated with honors from Colorado State University, a distinction that marked the beginning of more than fifty years of dedicated service to ranchers, farmers, and families across the region. Known for his steady hands, sharp mind, and unwavering compassion, he became not just a veterinarian, but a trusted friend to countless clients and colleagues.

Outside the clinic, Ray was most at home under a wide sky. A skilled team roper, he spent many years competing in roping events and was a board member for the Reno Rodeo for over thirty years — forming lifelong friendships along the way. Ranching wasn’t just his livelihood – it was his way of life. He took pride in working the land, raising cattle, and teaching the younger generations the value of hard work, honesty, and respect for animals.

An avid hunter and fisherman, he cherished quiet mornings on the water, crisp autumn days in the mountains, and the chance to share those moments with his children, grandchildren, and friends. His stories — equal parts wisdom, humor, and adventure — were as legendary as the hunts and fishing trips themselves.

Ray was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he enjoyed many Sundays teaching the youth of their ward and also spent many days at the church’s ranch, providing care for their cattle and animals.

Above all, Ray was a family man. He is survived by Revella, his partner in life and ranching; daughters: Cathy (Kenny) Menghini, Mitzie (Ken) Schmutz, and Kendra Beane; grandchildren: Kody Menghini, Jonas Bushong, Kolby (Michael) Brommer, Bayle and Heath Rohrbach; and four great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward his values of integrity, generosity, and perseverance. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Verna Schmutz; his sisters: Elaine Moody and Sharon Swapp; his brother Larry Schmutz; and his daughter Christine Schmutz; and his grandson KC Ray Menghini.

Ray leaves behind a legacy defined by service, grit, and a deep abiding love for animals, the outdoors, and the people whose lives intertwined with his. His presence will be profoundly missed, yet his spirit lives on in the land he tended, the animals he healed, and the hearts of those who knew him.

A celebration of his life will be held this Saturday, November, 29, 2025 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Alamo, NV Chapel at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider a donations to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in his honor.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory in their Guest Book at www.moapavalleymortuary.com.