Ruth Richardson Ray, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, peacefully passed away at the age of 97 on July 21, 2022 at her home in Gilbert, AZ.
Ruth was born to Barbara Annie Fuller and Gilbert Richardson in Thatcher, AZ on June 14, 1925. Her happy childhood years were spent in Mesa in their family home near the Mesa Temple. Ruth graduated from Mesa Union High. She and Vaun Ray, her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, were married and sealed on August 14, 1944 in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Ruth and Vaun lived on farms in Mesa and Gilbert, truly enjoyed being together and felt a great love for nature. They had many good memories with and deeply loved their three wonderful children and their spouses: Vonda (Brough), Steven (Susan) and Kevin (Ginger).
Ruth loved homemaking, sewing, baking and making her world beautiful inside and out. She created a gathering place in their home for their family, extended family and friends. Hayrack rides, cook-outs, holiday celebrations, music, games and laughter could be heard across the fields and in her home. She always had a quick smile, kind word, plenty of fun things to do and lots of good food for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in many callings. Ruth loved the Savior and her faith and family were very important to her. She always made people the most important and everyone felt her genuine love for them. She was a positive, energetic, beautiful lady who always spoke well of others and made the world a happier place. She was generous with her talents, resources and love.
Ruth is survived by children Vonda Ray Dorny, Steven Ray (Susan), Kevin Ray (Ginger), 8 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 30, 2022 at 10am at the church at 230 N. Val Vista Dr., Gilbert, AZ 85234. A viewing will precede the services at 9:00am. Interment will be in the City of Mesa Cemetery.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
My sincere condolences, it was a pleasure working for Ruth Ray and her family such a beautiful family. Ruth always greeted me with a smile I will never forget that smile I will miss her smile love always Nancy💕
What a wonderful and dear Aunt Ruth!! I will always remember the special times we had visiting in their home. She always made us feel so special and loved. She always made it a fun time and we always felt so welcomed. She was truly a special aunt and we loved
her
When I was growing up, I enjoyed many fun activities at the Ray Home and at Richardson gatherings. Ruth was always positive, kind, and made me feel important. She will be greatly missed here on earth by those who knew and loved her. There will be much celebrating and rejoicing in the spirit world upon her arrival. She is truly a special daughter of our Heavenly Father. I love you Aunt Ruth.