It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dolores Wray on March 12th, at the age of 97. Dolores lived an extraordinary life filled with faith, adventure, love, and unwavering devotion to her family, friends, and God.
Born on September 10, 1927, in Kennett, Missouri, to parents Clark and Belle Sallee. Belle remarried to Truman Cash in 1931 and her family moved to Arizona in 1939 and then to Fresno, California in 1940. She had two sisters, Virginia and Wanda.
Dolores married Richard on February 24, 1951. Before Richard left to serve in the Korean War, they were united in marriage, beginning a journey that would last 72 years until Richard’s passing in 2023. Their son, Douglas, was born in 1953 in London, where they were stationed during the war. After returning from London, they began a 30-year career with their printing business, Wray Printing, in Hermosa Beach. Their daughter, Deborah, joined the family in Los Angeles in 1956.
Dolores and Richard shared a passion for flying. In 1968, they learned how to fly and owned their own airplane, “5-2 Poppa,” spending nearly every weekend exploring new places until 1983. They traveled to Mexico, Canada, Catalina, and anywhere that offered a good cheeseburger or margarita. In the 1980s, they returned to Fresno to embrace the farming lifestyle, but even in retirement, Dolores continued to thrive. She obtained her Real Estate Broker's license and enjoyed another 10 years of success selling homes.
Dolores was a woman of strong faith, which guided her with grace and humility throughout her life. She was always ready to help others, offering prayers and kind words, and her love for God was the foundation of everything she did. She embraced every opportunity for adventure—from traveling to tackling home renovations—with enthusiasm and energy. Her determination and grace in facing life's challenges were among her many remarkable qualities.
Dolores also had an eye for fashion. She loved shopping and was always ahead of trends, expressing her vibrant personality with style and always with a touch of sparkle. Above all, she cherished her role as a grandmother, showering her grandchildren with love, wisdom, and joy. Her playful spirit and ability to make them feel special will live on in their hearts forever.
Known for her kindness, humor, and strength, Dolores had a unique ability to offer comfort or laughter, depending on the moment. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will inspire us all to live with adventure, cherish family, and always embrace the journey. Dolores was especially excited about her final journey to be with God, and she now rests in peace.
Dolores is survived by her son, Doug Wray (Katie), her daughter, Deborah Wray Smith (Walt), grandsons Jeffrey Wray and Kristopher Wray (Nancy), granddaughters Kaelyn Smith (Eric) and Brittany Barto (Carter), and great-grandchildren Sayde Barto, Kaia Barto, Koral Wray, Adisun Barto, Remi Wray, Zander Barto, and Wyatt Smith.
A graveside service for Dolores Wray will be held on Friday, March 21st, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Clovis Cemetery, 305 North Villa Avenue, Clovis, California 93612.
The family invites all who wish to honor Dolores’s memory to join in celebrating her life.
