Raymond "Twister" Heller

Twister Heller, 76, of Afton, TX entered heaven's gates Monday, April 28, 2025.

Born August 24, 1948, in Lakeview, Oregon to Lopey Heller & Betty Campbell. Twister began his cowboy life early, riding alongside his father, Lopey, on the ZX Ranch in Paisley, Oregon. Even before his little legs could reach the stirrups, he was out with the wagon crew, pushing cattle across the desert. The cowboys affectionately nicknamed him “Hard Twist.” Later, a schoolteacher shortened it to “Twister,” and the name stuck for life.

In the 1970s, Twister worked for the Diamond A Ranch—also known as the Big Boquillas—in Seligman, Arizona, as well as the legendary ORO Ranch. A true working cowboy, Twister later ran the RO’s horse program for seven years, further cementing his reputation as a skilled hand and respected horseman.

Twister spent the major years of his life building a family cutting horse training business with his wife, Sandy, and son, Jud. It was a team effort grounded in hard work, dedication, and attention to detail. Together, they developed the Heller brand—one known for its honesty, skill, and reliability in the cutting horse world. Twister was admired not only as a cowboy but as one of the finest cutting horse trainers in the industry.

But more than anything, Twister was a man of deep faith. In 1981, he gave his life to Christ and became a committed Christian. From that moment on, his greatest joy was sharing the gospel of Jesus with others. Though he was richly blessed in life, his true calling and purpose were always rooted in introducing people to the Lord.

Twister is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Sandy Heller of Afton, Texas; three children: daughters Traci Beck (Jeremy) of Paducah, Texas, and Lisa Livingston of Columbia, Tennessee; and son Jud Heller of Supai Canyon, Arizona. He also leaves behind his sister, Tonja Lamone (Lynn) of Salt Lake City, Utah; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Twister's legacy lives on through the lives he touched—both in the arena and in faith. He rode for the brand, but he lived for the Lord.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday May 31, 2025 at Full Gospel Church in Roaring Springs, TX at 10am followed by a luncheon in the fellowship hall.