Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2013 at the First Presbyterian Church in Avon, with burial in the Trinity Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation will be Friday from 5 to 6 p.m at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon, with family present.

Noel Raysby was born before his twin brother Neil to Paul C.and Louise (Ritter) Raysby on January 17, 1932. Noel passed away peacefully on May 22, 2013 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, SD. When the twins were born their older brothers Lawrence, Gordon and Thorwald kept the wood stove stocked throughout the night to keep the new additions to the family warm on the 20 below zero winter night. Noel grew up with his family on a farm South of Avon, SD and attended Trumbo Country School District #51 through the eighth grade. Although health issues kept Noel from serving his country, he was very patriotic and had great respect for our veterans. Noel married Mary Anne Merkwan on November 3, 1958 in Dante, SD. Seven children were born to their union, Nyla, Barbara, Helen, Diane, Dale, Lloyd and Kathleen.

Noel loved the farm life and growing up along Choteau Creek. He remembered when his dad farmed with horses and then bought a new F30 Farmall. Noel was most proud when he had 100 head of stock cows, and farmed until he retired in 1998. He then worked part time for his son Lloyd. Noel had a passion for Farmall tractors, Harley Davidson motorcycles and horses. He and Mary enjoyed taking many short trips on their Harley. He always said that the cell phone was one of the greatest inventions, as he was able to keep in touch with his family with it. Noel was very proud of his large family and loved watching his children and grandchildren grow up. In 2009, Noel spent six months living in Georgia with his daughter and son-in-law and enjoyed talking about the tall trees, beautiful weather, the fact that there was no wind and riding his 3 wheel bike.

Noel is survived by his wife of 55 years and their children: Nyla of Avon; Barbara and Mark Marty of Omaha, NE; Helen and Paul Bailey of Norfolk NE; Diane and Terry Romkema of Avon; Dale and Vickie Raysby of Springfield; Lloyd and Susan Raysby of Avon; and Kathleen and Troy Abbott of Hernando, MS; and a special cat named Yellow.

The extended family includes 12 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; his twin brother Neil and wife Darlene of Geddes; sister Zona Robsahm and husband Leon of Sioux Falls; and three sisters-in-law: Neva Raysby of Avon, Lois Raysby of Tyndall and Cora Raysby of Avon.

Noel was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law Paul and Marie Merkwan and three brothers: Lawrence, Gordon and Thorwald "Shorty".