Avis E. Ray

Avis E. Ray

April 20, 1931 - Jan. 24, 2012

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Avis E. Ray of McCook passed away at the Scottsbluff Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012. She was 80 years old.

Avis was born on April 20, 1931, at the family farm near Culbertson to Guy Leon and Rosa Elnora (Schlegel) Nelson. She graduated from McCook High School in 1948 and McCook Junior College in 1950. She continued her education at the Denver University receiving a degree as a Registered Nurse.

On June 6, 1957, she was united in marriage to Robert Tunnis Ray, Sr. in Zurick, Switzerland. They lived overseas until Robert retired from the military in 1969. They made their home in McCook where Avis worked as a nurse for St. Catherine's Hospital and McCook Clinic as well as a busy mother of son, Robert Tunnis, Jr.

She was a member of Memorial United Methodist Church, Naomi Circle and United Methodist Women. She was also a member of PEO Chapter GY, McCook Art Guild and an integral part of the McCook Community Concert Association. She volunteered countless hours for the bloodmobile. In her free time she loved to paint, sew and do all kinds of crafts.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Guy and Rosa Nelson; husband, Robert Ray, Sr. on April 14, 2005; and brother, Arlyn "Buddy" Nelson.

Survivors include her son, Robert Ray, Jr. and wife, Dacrus, of Aurora, Colorado; three grandchildren, Daniela (Erik), Adam (Erica) and Jessica and great-granddaughter, Harley Grace; four sisters, Dorothy McLaren and Karen and husband, James Ruff, all of McCook, Fern and husband, Ken McGuire, of Las Cruces, New Mexico and Nadine and husband, Gerald Owens, of Littleton, Colorado; numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

Memorials may be given in her name.

Visitation will be today from 1-8 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be Friday, Jan. 27, 2012, 10:30 a.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. Lance Clay officiating. Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska, at 2 p.m.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements. Friends may send condolences to the family at www.carpenterbreland.com

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