Clear, 48° F
(Oct. 9, 1925 - Jan. 8, 2012)
Merle Jean Ray died peacefully at her daughter’s home in Spring, Texas on Sunday morning Jan. 8, 2012. She was 86.
Merle was born in Burwell, Neb. on Oct. 9, 1925, the daughter of Jude and Ella Phillipps. She graduated high school in Burwell in 1943. After graduating she went to San Diego and there married the love of her life Archie Ray in 1943.
Archie was stationed in San Diego during World War II serving in the Marines while Merle worked at Consolidated Aircraft building bombs from 1943 to 1946.
They moved to Powell in 1959 and raised their four daughters, Judy, Nancy, Lisa and Nikki. She cooked at Northwest College and several other places throughout the years. She could always find the good in everyone she met or knew. She was a devoted football fan, loved playing cards and was a great cook. She loved her friends and playing cards at the Senior Center and later in Spring, Texas with family and friends.
Merle was a loving wife, mother and cherished all of her grandchildren. She saw the positive side of everything and will be greatly missed by those who knew her.
Merle is survived by her daughters Judy Hazen of Denver, Colo., Nancy (Mike) Wester of Red Lodge, Mont., Lisa (Jim Cozzens) Ray of Spring, Texas, Nikki (Doug) McCrea of Baton Rouge, La.; grandchildren Sean (Jeni) Ray Cozzens, Jonathan Ray Wester, Rafer Hazen, Anna Ray Wester, Ella McCrea, Brian McCrea and Tessa Ray Cozzens; sisters Eileen Crawford and Shirley Rockford; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Merle was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Archie of 50 years, sister Betty and two grandchildren, Jesse Ray Fields and Julian Ray Cozzens.
Cremation has taken place and there will be a graveside service in the summer in Powell, where memories and condolences may be shared in celebrating Merle’s life. Memorials may be given to the Powell Senior Citizen’s Center at 248 N. Gilbert St. Powell, WY, 82435.
