Barbara Ann (Schowengerdt) Ray

Barbara Ann (Schowengerdt) Ray, age 91, of Bakersfield, California was called home to heaven on Sunday, September 3, 2023. Barbara was born in Independence, Missouri on Jauary 20, 1932. She was born to Marvin Schowengerdt and Wilda Jones during the depression. Barbara's brother Ronnie Schowengerdt was soon born after her in 1940. Barbara always expressed fond memories of her time growing up on her grandparents Laura and Otto's farm as her grandmother Laura was very dear to her heart. Barbara's family moved to San Bernadino, California in 1942 for her father Marvin to pursue carpentry during the war and they would later settle in Bakersfield, CA where Barbara herself would settle and build a family of her own. Barbara attended Beardsley, Standard, and then was one of the 675 graduates of Bakersfield Highschool in 1950. Barbara marched in many parades including the Rose Bowl as a BHS Driller Band Majorette. She would meet and then marry the love of her life Derward Earl Ray on May 26, 1951 and soon after build the home they lovingly raised three generations in from 1952 to 2023. Barbara loved telling stories of how her and her husband Ray would sleep in a tent at California Hot Springs building cabins, working and saving money to come back to Bakersfield to build their own home little by little, and what a beautiful home it was and still is today. They had two children Mike and Debbie Ray. Barbara and her family joined the Seventh Day Adventist Church and always delighted in being greatly involved in the church and its community. Barbara was widowed in June of 1996 when her dear husband Ray passed away at the age of 68. Barbara lived a very beautiful and joyful life, it was not in her nature to ever do anything less. She enjoyed raising her children, having family trips and adventures, had a real passion for growing iris, and praising and thanking her lord and savior wherever she was. Because of her, many know Jesus's love a little better. She was a life long missionary sharing the message of christs love to those around her. Three things were certain if you were blessed to meet Barbara, you would feel welcomed, loved, and you would hear how great Jesus truly was. She was the most kind and humble spirit and just as beautiful and full of grace as the thousands of iris flowers she grew in her gardens. Barbara was always helping others and made the world a much more beautiful place. We had one of God's angels on earth for a while, until we meet again, our beloved mother, grandmother, and dearest friend Barbara. Thank you for all the love you gave to us.

Barbara is survived by her son and daughter in law, Mike and Cindy Ray, and daughter, Debbie Ray. Her granddaughter and grandson in law, Jessica and Aaron Williams, and grandson and granddaughter in law, David and Megan Massey, and granddaughter Sarai. Also by her great grand children, Aaron, Caleb, Anthony, and Logan Williams. And Elijah, Kylee, and Elaina Massey. By her brother Ronnie Showengerdt and her nephews Ricki and Donnie and their families. By her nieces Beth Abitt, Susie Brumback, and their loving families. And by many other family and friends that knew and dearly loved her.

A graveside service for Barbara will be held Friday, September 22, 2023 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Hillcrest Cemetary, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com for the Ray family.