Charles Edward Ray

After a long, full life Charles Edward (Ed) Ray, 88,
passed away peacefully in the company of family at his residence at
Autumn Winds Senior Assisted Living in Caldwell, Idaho on Thursday,
May 7, 2020.

Ed was born in the family homestead on Conger Mesa near McCoy,
Colorado on April 18, 1932 to Charlie and Josephine Ray. Ed grew up on
the Mesa with his four siblings.  He is survived by his older (and
slightly more bossy) sister, Ruby Jorstad of Denver, CO, and his
younger (and slightly more ornery) brothers, Duane Ray .(Las Vegas,
NV) and Carl Ray (Yampa, CO). His younger, (and slightly better
looking) sister, Jan Grosshans (Eckert, CO) preceded him in passing.

Ed was a horseman and rancher and spent his life viewing the world
from atop one of several special horses -- from the family ranch and
homestead in Colorado to his adopted home in Cassville, MO. As a young
man, Ed  was a cowboy for the Bureau of Land Management in Routt
County, CO and his best memories were of herding cattle or spotting
elk while riding the Flattops Range in the high country above Yampa,
CO.

Ed married Erin Daniels on December 24, 1952 just before serving in
the Korean War. She precedes him in death. Ed and Erin moved from the
family ranch in Colorado to Cassville, MO in 1964, happy to leave all
that Colorado snow in their rearview mirror, and not so happy to learn
about chiggers (resulting in much cussing and fussing). Ed used to say
that while he raised cattle and trained horses on the ranch in
Missouri, Erin raised and trained their children (an exaggeration, to
be sure, but that was his story).  They made a good team.

Ed was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is
survived by his children Jean (Tom) Korder of Urbana, IL, Doug (Sue)
Ray of Nampa, ID, and Connie (Brent) Clark of Cache, OK; and
grandchildren Thomas (Shannon) Korder, Katie (Keith) Bohlin, Matt
(Katie) Clark, Casey (Kelly) Clark, and Walker, Hannah, and Rachel
Ray; and a six-pack of great-grandchildren whose antics he reveled in,
and even (shockingly) encouraged.

While his family and friends will miss him dearly, they are comforted
knowing that he is reunited with Erin and a host of family who passed
before him, and that there will quite likely be dancing and endless
cribbage games involved.

The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the caring staff at
Autumn Winds Senior Living in Caldwell, Idaho, Treasure Valley
Hospice, and their amazing home-healthcare warriors, led by Dawn
Lindsey, who so generously gave their time and their hearts to care
for, and support, Ed and the family on his long journey Home.

His family and friends intend to honor Ed next summer in Colorado with
a celebration of a life well-lived. In keeping with his wishes, he
will rest in peace next to Erin and on top of Dome Mountain, his
favorite place on this earth.

Memorial donations may be made to Treasure Valley Hospice (Caldwell,
ID) or to a Hospice Care organization in your region or hometown.


 

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