Russell Lynn Ray

Russell Lynn Ray of Nibley, Utah, passed away on February 3, 2024, after a wrestle with the vicissitudes  of cancer.  Thank you to the Gossner Cancer Center and Rocky Mountain Hospice for their services.  

Russell was born in Missoula, Montana on April 6, 1939. He was always proud of that date. He was the son of Edward Walter Ray and Laura Aline Reese Ray. He grew up helping his dad with the dairy.  Russell was a track star athlete in his day.  After graduation from James Lick High School he attended Stanford University on a track scholarship and finished his schooling at Utah State University.  He married Marilyn Jo Ericksen on November 22, 1961 in the Logan Temple. Later he received his Master of Science in Management from the Stevens Institute of Technology.  Russell worked for the telephone company until his retirement.  He then had a great second career as a management programmer for Hill Air Force Base Waste Management, Utah State University Memory Study, and A to Z Report Gathering.  Russell and his wife Marilyn also owned several homes in Logan and prided themselves as being advocates for renters. 

Russell was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as Scoutmaster, High Priest Group Leader, Executive Secretary, Family History Teacher, and Bishop among other callings. Russell and Marilyn served in the Family History Center as service missionaries. After Marilyn died, Russell married Sharon Hatch Alder on January 5, 2012. Russell and Sharon served as tutors, cannery workers, and temple ordinance workers in the Logan Temple.

Russell was well pleased with his family. He is survived by his wife Sharon Alder, his five children, Edward Durell Ray (Yuko), Jeanine Marie Rhoton (Darren), Carol Lynnette Nef (Rick), Leola Aline “LaLine” Ray, Jonathan Jacob Ray, six grandchildren, one great grandchild; and her five children, Lori Louise Lindhardt (Peter), Sheri Elizabeth Smith (Brian), Jamie Lynn Fellows (Ronald), Christi Ann Giles Tjulander, Mandi Lee Tuft (Sonny), 24 grand children, 10 great grand children; and his brothers Don Ray (Marliese) and Larry Ray (Lois). Russell’s first wife, Marilyn Jo Ericksen Ray passed away in 2011. Other predeceased family are his parents, Ed and Aline, a son-in-law James, and a grandson. 

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am on Monday, February 12, 2024 at White Pine Funeral Home, 753 S. 100 E. Logan, UT.  A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:30 am.  An additional viewing will be held on Sunday, February 11, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at White Pine Funeral Home. The interment will be held at the Logan City Cemetery. Thank you to the White Pine Mortuary for their services. If you prefer, in lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.

If you would like to donate flowers, please consider buying at: https://www.plantpeddlerfloral.com/

Russell’s funeral can be viewed via Zoom at: CLICK HERE TO VIEW FUNERAL LIVE

Click this link to view additional details about Russell's Services: https://my.gather.app/remember/russell-ray-2024