Worthy Hellstrom

Worthy Ray Hellstrom, 90, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on August 2, 2025. Born June 28, 1935, in Lawrence, Kansas, to Walter and Emma Hellstrom.

Ray served in the U.S. Navy from 1953 to 1957 aboard the USS Frontier (AD 25) in radio communications and electronic component repair. He later worked 30 years at Bendix (Allied Signal Aerospace), supervising a team supporting America's Cold War defense.

In 1960, Ray married his beloved Joyce D. Smith, sharing nearly 65 years together. He is survived by a son and daughter in law, his daughter Nancy (Glenn) Hart, grandchildren Deanna Von Fange (Ian) and Samuel Eberhart, great granddaughter Avery, sister Rebecca Melton, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Robert W. Hellstrom and S. Roberta Hellstrom.

Ray was a Boy Scout leader, honorary member of the Tribe of Mic O Say, and a former Grandview volunteer police officer. He loved genealogy, history, and time with family and lifelong friends.

A Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 12, 2025, at Meyers Northland Chapel in Parkville, MO. A Celebration of Life will commence at 11:00 a.m. Urn placement will follow at Leavenworth National Cemetery, 150 Muncie Rd., Leavenworth, KS. Memories of Ray and condolences to the family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans of Kansas City or City Union Mission.