Raymond Clarke Woods

Raymond Clarke Woods, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, returned to his Heavenly Father on February 21, 2025, at the age of 89. After a courageous journey with Alzheimer’s disease, Ray found peace and comfort in the arms of his Savior. His journey included tender, memorable moments as well as challenging trials, all of which he faced with resilience.

Ray was born August 5, 1935, in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, to James Murl Woods and Alice Maurine Smith Woods. He lost his father at the tender age of one and was lovingly raised by his mother and his Aunt Ruth. When Ray was 13, his mother remarried, and the family relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah. He graduated from West High School in 1953 and later attended the University of Utah.

A patriot and a man of honor, Ray served three years in the U.S. Army. While stationed in Orleans, France, he met his eternal sweetheart, Janie Stirton. She was also serving in the Women’s Army Corps. They were united in marriage on March 13, 1960, in Muscotah, Kansas, after returning from their military service. Settling in Salt Lake City, they welcomed two daughters, Vicki Lynn Woods Russell and Brenda Lee Woods Edwards, into their lives.

Ray enjoyed a distinguished 34-year career at Questar Gas Co. in Salt Lake City, where he served primarily in employee relations before retiring in 1994 as Director of Training. Seeking warmer skies, Ray and Jane then moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where they built cherished friendships. Ray’s commitment to service shone through his volunteer work with the Metro Police Department, which led to a part-time job at the Police Academy—a position he loved before retiring once more. In his leisure, Ray loved to bowl, coming close to a perfect 300 game a couple of times. He also filled his days with reading, going to the movies or watching old movies on the TV. Ray had a boisterous laugh that so many could recognize and he also had legendary vacuuming skills, leaving carpets lineless and pristine.

Ray’s life took on eternal significance when he and Jane were baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on August 14, 2009, by their grandsons, Steven and Jason Russell—a sacred moment for their family. On November 23, 2010, Ray and Jane were sealed for time and all eternity, along with their daughters Vicki and Brenda, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, Ray and Jane served as Service Missionaries in the Las Vegas Church’s Employment Office and later as ordinance workers in the Las Vegas and St George Temples, where their service blessed many.

A devoted family man, Ray cherished his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Even as Alzheimer’s progressed, his face would light up with a contagious smile when his grandchildren and little greats came for a visit. He especially loved it when his greats would hand him toys to play with them.

On December 31, 2024, Ray suffered a fall that broke his femur, marking the beginning of a painful final chapter. Yet, through it all, he was surrounded by love and exceptional care from Independence Home Health & Hospice and the staff at Sagewood at the District, Memory Care. The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Kurtis Bacciocco, Director of Health and Wellness at Summit Vista. He was a remarkable support for Jane and Vicki.

In keeping with Dad’s wishes, we chose to honor his life with a celebration rather than a traditional funeral service. Our family gathered to go bowling—a nod to a game he loved—followed by a meal from his favorite restaurant, Olive Garden. We shared laughter and stories of his childhood and looked at many cherished family photos. Later, we will visit Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, where he rests in the Garden of the Lillies, Mausoleum, to once again celebrate the remarkable life he lived and the love he left behind.

As a family, we rejoice in the knowledge that Ray is reunited with his beloved daughter, Brenda and her husband Todd Edwards and other family members beyond the veil and rests in the presence of our Savior. His humor, laughter, and legacy will live on in the family he loved so much.

Ray was preceded in death by his daughter Brenda and her husband Todd Edwards, as well as his parents, James Murl Woods and Alice Maurine Duddy. He is survived by his eternal companion, Jane Woods; his daughter Vicki (Brent) Russell; grandchildren Steven (Jami) Russell, Jason Russell, Brooke Edwards, Alyssa (Christian) Leach, Janessa (Kaden) Groves, Seth (Anna) Edwards, and Camille Edwards; and his ten great-grandchildren, each a treasure in his heart.