Margaret Ann Ray, 92, passed away on December 10, 2024 in Salina, KS.
Margaret was born on May 22, 1932 in Hodge, LA to parents Otto C. and Helen (Young) Hair.
Grandma was a devout Christian woman who had a firm moral compass, fearless to express her beliefs on right and wrong (or any other subject for that matter). She took the grandkids to church at any opportunity she had, always making delicious muffins before church.
She kept a tidy and inviting home where the extended family would often gather for her amazing home cooked meals (just don’t leave the table “empty-handed” after dinner). Her delicious meals left us in need of stretchy pants and a nap.
Grandma enjoyed classic murder mysteries, chocolate (“they have antioxidants so it’s health food” she would say with a laugh) and beating Grandpa at card games. Although we know from stories, that as a younger woman, before she was “Grandma”, she loved square-dancing with Grandpa, together collecting awards on a sash she kept fondly.
As children, the grandkids loved to be in her home; playing on the swing set, swimming in the pool, eating watermelon on the patio, playing in the sandbox (and Grandma fussing at us to get in the bath right away afterwards), playing in the basement, which was stocked with all sorts of toys like pool/ping-pong table and an antique organ (she tolerated a lot of noises from the basement, as long as we minded her when it was time to “stop”). She also made the best buttermilk pancakes on Saturday mornings.
We enjoyed hearing stories about their travels, Grandma and Grandpa’s. A collection of artwork and souvenirs tastefully decorated their cozy home with stories of their adventures. They lived in Europe during Grandpa’s Airforce deployment and traveled for leisure during retirement. Grandma said her favorite place she visited was Alaska, she and Grandpa had rented a car and stayed at various Bed-n-Breakfasts, she said it was amazing driving thru the picturesque state and “everyone should do that.” One summer, they surprised several of the high-school-aged grandchildren by going whitewater-rafting in Colorado. Yes, Grandma went whitewater rafting in her late sixties. It was a great adventure and a wonderful memory.
She supported, invested, and encouraged her young-adult grandchildren in their careers and interests. She inspired feelings of both respect, with her “no-nonsense attitude,” and warmth, with her laugh and the best goodbye-hugs. Always insisting we take “money for gas” even when we had jobs as young adults (there was no arguing with Grandma and her sweet, generous, but stubborn, heart).
She was a remarkable grandmother, and along with our grandfather (it’s hard to not mention Grandpa, because they really were a united “pair”, you can’t think of one without the other), with their 70+ year marriage, were both a virtuous example of how to live and a great blessing. Times with them in their home are imprinted in our memories.
None of her grandkids would be who we are today without her, in one way or another, the trajectory of our lives has been affected. From guidance, moral support, college support, to giving us our first cars, she was a grandma that showed up in a remarkable way.
Her intensity, strength, sense of humor, stubbornness, beliefs, and good looks live on in her grandchildren, who are lucky to have the honor of calling her Grandma.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents and spouse Ervin Ray.
Margaret is survived by ; Children Stuart Ray, Janice Martinez, Steven Ray and spouse Elizabeth; Others: Jessica Martinez (Granddaughter) , Lauran Ray (Granddaughter), Leslie Ray (Granddaughter), Alvaro Martinez (Grandson).
Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 19, 2024, 10:30 AM at Evangelical Covenant Church; 102 S. Washington St.; Lindsborg, KS 67456 with Rev. Jeff Waugh officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Salina, KS.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Roselawn Burial and Cremation Services. Online condolences can be sent to www.roselawnsalina.com.