Beverly Carol Ray

Beverly Carol Ray was welcomed home to be with her Lord and Savior Friday, November 15, 2013. A lifelong resident of Houston, she was born to Adam Walter Royder II and the former Carol Webb Breeding on August 14, 1936. She grew up in West University Place, the middle sister between 4 brothers.

Following graduation from Lamar High School in 1954 she began her career as a payroll clerk in the steel fabrication industry with Mosher Steel Company and later advanced in the payroll department to become a payroll supervisor. While employed at Mosher Steel, she met and married Jesse Haskell Ray in 1959. They moved to Spring Branch in 1961. Upon having children, she retired from Mosher Steel and devoted her life to her children and their activities. She was active in her children's elementary school classroom as room parent, a volunteer Brownie troop leader, middle school church youth group volunteer, and high school band parent volunteer. In her later years, she continued to serve in public education by participating in the HUG reading program, supporting students struggling with reading.

Bev enjoyed staying busy by continuing to make new friendships wherever she went. She made friendships easily and willingly offered assistance to anyone in need, regardless of the length of time she had known them. She participated in many social groups such as the Red Hats and was a longtime member of the GGOBS. She enjoyed antiquing and collecting as well as daytrips around the Houston area and Central Texas. She actively participated in the care and rehabilitation of her husband as needed and they stayed inseparable as they progressed together in life.

She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years and their children and families, Kenneth and Meredith Ray and granddaughter Madison of Jamison, Pennsylvania and Carolyn and Ray McKaskle, grandson Mason and granddaughter Sloane of Austin, Texas. Other survivors include her brother Lawrence Russell Royder of Lago Vista, Texas and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews as well as numerous extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers.

The Ray family would like to express tremendous gratitude to the numerous family members and dear friends that visited and uplifted Beverly, especially during the past month. The care and expertise provided by the Neuroscience Unit doctors, nurses, and staff at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital is acknowledged with much appreciation. The family also thanks the staff at Grace Hospice of Texas for their loving care and attention as well as the caregivers that provided support at home.

Visitation was on Tuesday, November 19th from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Waltrip Funeral Directors where services were held in the chapel on Wednesday, November 20th at 10:00 a.m. A brief interment ceremony followed at Resthaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family are asked to consider donating to the American Cancer Society or Grace Hospice of Texas.