Home of: Raymond and Lissette Torsell

RANGELY | Raymond and Lissette Torsell of Rangely are this week’s “home of” honorees. Raymond moved to Rangely 37 years ago. Lissette has been here 34 years. They celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary May 10, 2012.
During his early years in Rangely, Raymond worked for Anchor Services and B&M Oilfield Services. Raymond worked for the Water Users for a while. Then Kenneth Kenney hired him in 1983 as the Columbine Park manager. Later Raymond was hired as a heavy equipment operator by the Rio Blanco County Road and Bridge Department. Raymond retired from the county Dec. 26, 2012.
Lissette attended CNCC and earned a degree in business management in 1991. She has worked various part-time jobs and was a groundskeeper at the golf course for Bernie Shafer.
The Torsells have three children: daughter Jamie Scott and her husband Jim have two children, Alanna and Damen; son Ryan Torsell and his wife Becca have four children, Jaxon, Hudson, Easton and Brynnlee; and son Wesley Torsell and his wife Whitney have two children, Tylan and Tessa.
“We are very fortunate. All our children live in Rangely now,” Lissette said.
“We just got back from a 10-day trip to Arizona. It was the coldest Arizona was in 25 years. They were calling it ‘The Big Chill’ and of course we were not amused. We like to travel when we can. I like to garden, work in the yard and do stuff with our kids and grandkids. Raymond enjoys sports of all kinds. He likes to watch sports on TV and also enjoys hunting. We live in the country, so what do we need to go camping for? Our son Wesley coaches high school baseball and our son Ryan coaches football, so we like to attend high school sports to support them and the Panthers,” Lissette explained.
“We’re both from New York. I lived in New York City and Raymond lived in Kennedy, N.Y., but we didn’t meet each other until we ended up in Rangely. I like the closeness of Rangely where you know all your neighbors. Ninety percent, it’s a great place to raise your family – the size, the schools, the safety. We love the small town. It’s our home. It’s beautiful. I love it here. I love the West,” Lissette said.