Ray returned to Nebraska and married Alta Thompson in 1910. They came to the homestead in a covered wagon bringing Ray’s twelve year old brother, Elgin, with them and leading a cow.  In 1915 their five years of occupation ended and they received their patent. Their son, Clare, was born in the sod house on the homestead. September 20, 1916 Ray and Alta traded their homestead for the nearby Gerdts Ranch, which was established in 1898. Daughter Vera Mae was born on the ranch. Three barns, a large house and a garage came with the ranch; these buildings are still in use. The barns now have historical designation. In 1942, Ray bought back the homestead land and it is a part of the ranch. Ray and Alta’s son, Clare, married Leta Dunafon in 1951 and they continued to expand the ranch. Clare and Leta’s son, Larry, and his wife Kathy presently raise cattle on the land. RLS Ranch LLC was named for Ray Leonard Smith.