Merna Fay Ray

Merna Fay Ray, age 82, of Olathe, CO passed away January 1, 2022, at the Center at Foresight in Grand Junction, CO. Merna was born in Richfield, Utah October 17, 1939 to Ervin Clive and Ethel Fay (Rigby) Lay. She grew up in Circleville Utah, later moving to Grand Junction, CO, graduating from Grand Junction High School. Attended Mesa College in Grand Junction and was a lifelong learner. Merna married Gerald Dean Storey September 12th, 1958 in Norman Oklahoma. They had two daughters, Susan Annette and Lydia Ann. The family lived in New Jersey, Texas, Cortez, Grand Junction, and Montrose CO. Later divorced. Merna married Ralph Lyle Ray December 27th, 1976 in Montrose CO and moved to Pea Green where she lived the rest of her life. Ralph and Merna were sealed together in the LDS Provo Temple on June 5, 1992. Ralph had two daughters, Kathleen (Kathy) and Karen. Merna was a homemaker and loved being a farm wife. Ralph taught her to plant corn and one year she planted the whole farm. She plowed, hauled silage, and helped with the farm chores. During her lifetime, Merna was an Avon lady, cosmetic clerk, meat cutter, ward clerk at Montrose Memorial Hospital, Director of Volunteers for the Center for Mental Health in Montrose, Weight Watchers leader, dental assistant, and office manager for their farm. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and happily served in many callings. She was member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. She directed the Del-Rose chorus of Sweet Adelines and sang in barbershop quartets. She was active in the community serving in leadership roles in every organization she joined including the President of the Board on the Community Concert Board, the Board for the DMEA Operation Round Up Charitable Trust, and Delta Chapter of Altrusa International. She was the treasurer of Pea Green Cemetery and active in the Pea Green Community Club and Pea Green Ladies Club. She was honored as a Hospice Volunteer and girl of the year for three sororities.
Just one look at those sparkling blue eyes and you could see the caring, adventurous person she was. Her laugh was infectious. She lived her life to serve other people. She loved to travel with Ralph and both of her daughters. At 59 years old she took scuba lessons and was an advanced scuba diver. She said there is nothing like the undersea world to take your breath away. She enjoyed cooking, camping, fishing, hunting, singing, playing the piano, reading, and photography. She had a knack for making everyone feel special. Her greatest joy was her family. She loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She will be greatly missed by many. Survived by Susan Annette Matney (Fred), Farmington, UT; Lydia Storey-Lopez (Rudy), Olathe, CO; Kathleen (Kathy) Ray of Cedaredge CO; Karen Ray Mann of Olathe, CO. Two brothers Robert (Lorna) Lay of Circleville, UT; and Henry (Barbara) Lay of Toole, UT. 12 Grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Merna was preceded in death by her husband Ralph, her parents, and brothers David and Clyde Lay.
A viewing will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1679 Pioneer Rd, Delta, CO on Saturday, January 8th, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Internment Pea Green Cemetery immediately following service.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the internet obituary, Zoom Link for the service, and sign the online guest registry at www.taylorfuneralservice.com

Topic: Merna L Ray Funeral Service
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/94835198735
Or One tap mobile :
US: +13462487799,,94835198735# or +16699006833,,94835198735#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 205 6099 or +1 301 715 8592
Webinar ID: 948 3519 8735