Elna Elizabeth Ray

Elna Elizabeth Lawrence Ray was born on January 28, 1938 in San Jose, California.  She passed away on December 26, 2025 at the age of 87.  She is predeceased by her parents, her brother Kenneth Lawrence, her husband of 34 years, Bill Ray, her son, Jeff, and his niece Stacy Ray.  She is survived by her daughter, Krista Ray; her loving companion of 25 years, Mike Higginbotham; Ken’s children and grandchildren: Matt, Jessica, Chuck, Jason, Clayton, Charlene, Amy, Carrie, Julie and Chrissy; her brother-in-law Ron Ray; her sister-in-law Marcia Lundy and her sons Robert Ray and David Lundy.  

Elna attended Willow Glen High School and Santa Clara University.  Although she worked outside the home after her children were in school, she always made time to be the consummate cook, baker, gardener and hostess.  And she loved, loved, loved the fur babies

she had over the years.  She took such pleasure in keeping her home beautiful, especially at Christmas.  She loved giving back, especially with the San Jose Auxiliary “The Box,” a high-end thrift store which benefitted the Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital in Stanford. 

Elna truly had a heart of gold and was so generous and caring both with her time, possessions and resources.  She was outgoing and so warm and fun.

In 1997 Elna gave her heart to Jesus Christ and he became her personal Lord and Savior and is now pain free and at total peace in her eternal home in heaven.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Monday, February 16, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm and will be held at Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, located at 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125.