Springfield Colorado

 

Donald Lee Ray 1935-2009

Donald Lee Ray, 74 passed away April 10, 2009, in Mesa, AZ following a difficult battle with cancer.

Donald was born in Ordway, Colorado, on March 10, 1935 to Rubert Ray and Edna Brannon Ray Johnson, both preceded him in death. He married Beverly (Mauch) Ray on March 6, 1962 in Clayton, New Mexico.

They were married for 46 years, until Beverly died last May also losing the battle to cancer. Donald is survived by four children, Bobby (Wanda) Ray of Elkhart, KS, Michele (Phil) Ray-Brethower of Mesa, AZ, Donald (Kim) Ray II of Guymon, OK, and Tracey (Deb) Ray of Mesa, AZ and 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild, all of whom he adored.

He is also survived by a brother, Jim (Helen) Ray of Wimberley, TX and two sisters, Pat (Meyeres) Upchurch of Newton, KS, and Shari (Otis) Cable of Lockhart, TX. Also surviving are numerous nieces, and nephews, cousins and a host of friends in the Phoenix area, as well as friends and family in Baca and Prowers County in southeastern Colorado.

Donald was a cowboy from top to bottom and enjoyed many years working on the Alley Ranch south of Walsh, where he enjoyed every kind of animal and his favorite pastime was on the back of a horse.

A cowboy all his life, he finally fulfilled a lifelong dream of attending the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas this past December. Donald did not want a funeral or memorial service, instead he donated his body to science for medical advancement for cures to many terminal illnesses, specifically cancer.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society, or purchase a luminary in Donald’s memory at the Relay for Life event in Mesa on April 18. You can go to the website to make your donation at: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=14860.

For more information, you can call 602-579-7867. One in three people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. The American Cancer Society Relay for Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported and that one day cancer will be eliminated.

Don will truly be missed by all those that knew him and the family would like to thank everyone for their support, calls and prayers during this difficult time.