Ralph Ray

Ralph Clifford Ray, 73, of Osawatomie, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2014 at his home surrounded by family. He was born on April 1, 1941 at Fontana, KS. He was the fourth of five children born to James Clifford and Stella (Henness) Ray. He graduated from Osawatomie High School with the Class of 1959. Ralph served his country in the United States Navy from February of 1962 until his honorable discharge in November of 1966. After his honorable discharge, he served in the Navy Reserves for two years. He was a member of the Paola American Legion. Ralph was married to Marilyn Price and to this union four children were born Brigitte, Chris, Butch, and Jake. Their marriage ended in divorce. Ralph worked as a Manager for Sam's Club in Lenexa for 25 years, retiring in 2013. Prior to that, he had worked as a manager in various Safeway stores in the Kansas City area for 25 years. On October 21, 1990 he married Donna (Hastings) Thoden. Ralph and Donna made their home in rural Osawatomie, Kansas. He enjoyed riding and showing horses and hunting with his bird dogs; but most of all he enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Lorene Ricketts and Joy Brooks, and a son who died at birth Willis "Chip" Andrew Ray. Ralph is survived by his wife Donna of the home; two daughters Brigitte Hampton of Osawatomie, KS and Chris Hughes of Kansas City, KS; two sons Ralph "Butch" Ray II of Los Angeles, CA and Dr. Kent "Jake" Ray of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; two step-daughters Rexan Hyskell of Olathe, KS and Audra Whorton of Eddy, TX; one step-son LeRoy Thoden of Paola, KS; one brother John "Bill" William Ray of Oklahoma; one sister Irene Meinig of Paola, KS; 20 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Olathe Hospice or Miami County Cancer Foundation and can be sent in care of the funeral home Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 605 O'Neal Ave., P. O. Box 280, Osawatomie, KS, 66064. To leave a special message for the family please click the share memories button above.