Ralph Clifford Ray, 73, Osawatomie, passed away peacefully May 23, 2014, at his home surrounded by family.

He was born April 1, 1941, at Fontana. He was the fourth of five children born to James Clifford and Stella Henness Ray. He graduated from Osawatomie High School with the class of 1959.

Ralph served his country in the United States Navy from February 1962 until November 1966. After his honorable discharge, he served in the Navy Reserves for two years. He was a member of the Paola American Legion.

Ralph was married to Marilyn Price, and to this union four children were born: Brigitte, Chris, Butch and Jake. Their marriage ended in divorce.

Ralph worked as a manager for Sam's Club in Lenexa for 25 years, retiring in 2013. Prior to that, he had worked as a manager in various Safeway stores in the Kansas City area for 25 years.

On Oct. 21, 1990, he married Donna Hastings Thoden. Ralph and Donna made their home in rural Osawatomie.

He enjoyed riding and showing horses and hunting with his bird dogs; but most of all he enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Lorene Ricketts and Joy Brooks, and a son who died at birth, Willis "Chip" Andrew Ray.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Donna of the home; two daughters, Brigitte Hampton of Osawatomie and Chris Hughes of Kansas City, Kan.; two sons, Ralph "Butch" Ray II of Los Angeles and Dr. Kent "Jake" Ray of Eau Claire, Wis.; two step-daughters, Rexan Hyskell of Olathe and Audra Whorton of Eddy, Texas; one step-son, LeRoy Thoden of Paola; one brother, John "Bill" William Ray of Oklahoma; one sister, Irene Meinig of Paola; 20 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday, May 26, at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 605 O'Neal Ave., Osawatomie, KS 66064, with a memorial service following at 2 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to the Olathe Hospice or Miami County Cancer Foundation and can be sent in care of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, P.O. Box 280, Osawatomie, KS 66064.