Elton Earl Ray

Elton Earl Ray, (77) passed away peacefully at his home in Mesa, surrounded in love by family, on December 7, 2024.

Elton was born on July 22, 1947 in Mesa, Arizona to Richard Hyrum Ray and LaVon McCleve Ray.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and attended the Mesa Miramar Ward.  He loved his time serving as an ordinance worker in the Mesa Arizona Temple.  By this time in his life his testimony had grown and his love for our Savior was sure.

Elton grew up on the family dairy farm in NE Mesa with his 5 siblings.  He attended Westwood High School and graduated in 1965.  His greatest love was playing football for Coach Ford, driving his 1957 Chevy, and riding his motorcycle.  He was a prankster all his life, which often got him into some not so desirable situations.  He loved to laugh and make others laugh, too.  He was kind and funny and but did not like showing others his very tender feelings.  He did not like crying in the Lassie TV programs and would leave the room; partly because he was sensitive but mostly because he loved dogs.

After graduating from high school, he joined the Air Force and traveled around the world.  During his time in the service, he married Marsha Collins and their first child, Camra, was born in Germany.  He was a weapons specialist with nuclear training and received many awards, one of which was an Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.

After leaving the military he moved to Utah where his other 4 children were born.

He furthered his career by gaining a degree in computer programming and working for the IRS.  He later settled in Mesa and Texas and then back to Mesa where he retired from the IRS.

He loved the Minnesota Vikings, bowling, bingo, karaoke, but mostly, he loved his family.  His family meant everything to him.  He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed making memories on his many road trips to visit his kids.

Elton was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and LaVon Ray, his brothers David and Ken Ray, and his sister, Jean Ray.  He is survived his children, Cami LaToutette (Scott), Staci Scott (Tom), Holly Newsome (Rick), Pete (Chantelle), and Erin Lewis (Brian).  His grandchildren: Callie (Josh), Robert, Michelle, AJ, Mike (Krysta), Zach (Katherine), Tevin (Ally), Kiersten (Trey), Ben, Jayden (Brandt), Alex, Skyler, Hunter, Aaren, Ryan, Sydney (Azan), Gabriel, Nathaniel, Garrett, Hailey, Lauren (Alec), Warren, Brisea, Truenne.  His great grandchildren: Charlette, Jase, Josh, Sophie, Mia, Zayden, Elijah, Maya, Vito, Ezra, and Greyson.  His siblings Rivon Woolf (Ed) and Dorothy Shupe (Ivan), and many nieces and nephews, some of whom were like grandchildren to him.

There will be a celebration of his life on April 12, 2025, at his home in Mesa.  He will be laid to rest on the family homestead under his tree where he can watch the children play.

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.