Shelley Moore Ray

For those who were unable to attend the service, you are welcome to view it through this link: https://youtu.be/zzJXdJ4-Jhk?si=gPErNu7sl3Mk-uXc

Heaven’s Choir gained a beautiful and faithful voice this week with the passing of  Shelley Moore Ray, 72, of Pine, Arizona, who died September 20, 2024, in Mesa, Arizona. The daughter of Thomas and Fay (Billings) Moore, Shelley married Delwyn Oakley Ray on June 10, 1977, in the Mesa Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were blessed with eight children, 32 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

In all the world could offer, Shelley loved three things most: the Lord, her family, and music. She lived her life as a beautiful melody that people couldn’t help but be lifted by to join in and sing. She believed strongly in the power, spiritual healing, and conviction of music and in the ability of music to draw you closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

A believer in emulating the Savior through seeking out the one, Shelley always sought personal interaction and relationships with people. Everyone who knew her has a story about how she made them feel loved and special, none more than her thirty-two grandchildren, who all feel like they were “Grandma’s favorite.”

Shelley’s passing came after a nearly yearlong, stage four renal cancer battle, with the end hastened by a heart attack. That she ultimately died because of her heart is poetic, as that was the part of herself that she used the most.

As a mother, she loved fiercely and selflessly. She truly saw her children and listened wholeheartedly, always helping them turn their focus back to the Savior in solving life’s problems. Her laugh was infectious and the ultimate reward in any conversation. Teasing a laugh out of their mother almost became the goal for the joy it brought. She loved her many daughters-in-law as though they were her own, forming instant friendships and imparting valuable wisdom in motherhood.

Shelley was a living testimony. Bits and pieces of the gospel were woven into her daily conversations as effortlessly as breathing. It then follows that her sacrifice and service came naturally as well.

The stories of her acts of service are enough to fill a library. Babysitting her grandbabies, ministering to the sick, making meals, teaching early morning seminary for four years, becoming a foster parent, teaching music lessons so her children could have amazing experiences, and befriending the friendless was just the tip of the iceberg. If help was needed, Shelley was already there with her sleeves rolled up.

She served a mission in Dusseldorf, Germany, and was a frequent temple patron. No matter the calling, Shelley served faithfully, from Relief Society president to young women to primary — and, of course, as chorister, pianist, organist, and choir director.

Perhaps the luckiest of us all was her beloved husband, Delwyn, who she loved and knew best. Their adventures through parenthood, traveling the world, and the sacred memories made in the last months of her life will always be treasured. She will be dearly missed by all, and until we meet again, we’ll make time to sing just one more song and think of her.

Shelley is survived by her husband of forty-seven years, Delwyn Oakley Ray, daughter Katelyn Ray, and seven sons: Spencer Delwyn (Michelle) Ray, James Kendall (Emily) Ray, Jason Moore (Edythe) Ray, Tyler Moore (Chloe) Ray, Jared Oakley (Tamara) Ray, Joshua Moore Ray and Devon Moore (Alexis) Ray; 32  grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Also surviving are sisters Janean Moore Call and Marilyn Moore Call and brother Thomas Harvey Moore, Jr.  Predeceasing Shelley are her parents, Thomas and Fay (Billings) Moore, sister Colleen Moore Jones, and granddaughter Gracie Belle Ray.

A visitation will be held on 9/27/2024 at 6:00-8:00 PM at Bunker’s University Chapel: 3529 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85213

The memorial service will be held on 9/28/2024 at 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: 830 E Lehi Road, Mesa, AZ 85203 with a visitation an hour prior.

Burial will be 9/28/2024 at 1:30 at the City of Mesa Cemetery: 1212 N Center Street, Mesa, AZ 85201

For those who are unable to attend the service, you will be able to join via this link: Click to view the funeral service broadcast via Zoom

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.