Ray M. Stanley Obituary (2003)

RAY STANLEY 1931 - 2003 ROY - Ray Stanley, 72, beloved husband, father, step-father, grandfather and great-grandfather, brother and friend passed away while helping family members with yard work on June 27, 2003. It came as no surprise that the last moments of Ray's life were spent in service to others, for that is how he lived his life-serving others. He was loved by so many and will be missed by all who knew him. Ray was the person who everyone turned to for advice, direction and help. He was a teacher to all who knew him and he always had the right answers-straight from the scriptures. Ray was a current resident of Roy, Utah and a former resident of Wind Lake, Wisconsin. He was born in Heber, Utah, June 1, 1931, to George B. and Irene Marilla Murdock Stanley. He was the sixth of nine children. He served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the North Western States Mission from 1950-1952. After his mission he volunteered for the draft and served his country during the Korean War. Ray married Mildred Kugath on September 9, 1954 in the Salt Lake Temple and they are the parents of four children. He received a Law Degree from the University of Utah. He worked with his father and brothers in their family-owned title company and also pursued interests in real estate. After his first marriage, he later married Evelyn Alice Roepke of Anoka, Minnesota on July 21, 1982. Their marriage was solemnized in the Washington, D.C. Temple in 1984. Ray became Stepfather to Evelyn's 11 children. They later had a daughter together and also raised two more children who were the sons of Evelyn's daughter who passed away. They raised their family in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Ray worked as a custodian at the LDS Stake Center and served as Director of Genealogy for the Wind Lake Wisconsin Stake. Genealogy and temple work was among the great loves of his life and how he spent most of his time. He was currently serving as a patron helper at the Ogden Family History Center. Ray spent the last several days of his life doing genealogy around the clock. He felt a need to get everything in order so it was ready when the time came to turn the work over to the next generation. Ray also loved reading and learning, and could usually be found with his nose in a book. While his library was extensive, he most often studied the scriptures. He also enjoyed traveling throughout the United States. He loved to share the beauty and wonders of this country with his family. His favorite spots were National parks and monuments. He helped his family members develop a greater appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us and the history behind it. Ray was an extremely patient man who calmly endured the endless trials that come with 18 children. He was always willing to help those in need. He had a special place in his heart for the grandchildren and always took time to play and visit with them. He loved his family and friends dedicated his life to the Lord's work. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Evelyn; his former wife Millie; his children: Mark (Connie), Michael (Debbie), Julie (David), Linda (Henry), Rebecca, Tim, and Jeremy; his step-sons David (Pam), Michael (Stephanie), Douglass (Donna), Robert (Shannon), Jeff (Jen), Paul (Amie), Jason (Danielle), Jared (Stacy), Thomas and Steven, 54 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; brother; Lyn (Elaine) and sisters; Ruth McGuire (Darwin), Lois Breinhold and Marilyn (Glen. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers; Paul, Don, Burton, sister; Lucile and his step-daughter Katherine. VisitationMyers Mortuary - Roy 5865 South 1900 West Roy, UT 84067 July 1, 2003 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ServiceCountry Meadows Ward 3628 South 2700 West West Haven, UT 84401 July 2, 2003 11:00 AM CemeteryMyers Evergreen Memorial Park 100 Monroe Blvd. Ogden, UT 84404 July 2, 2003 12:30 PM