Lena Ruth Ray

Lena Ruth Green Ray was born April 9, 1928 at home in Rogers, Texas to Alton Jackson Green and Amanda Lois Bean Green.  She passed from her earthly life to her heavenly home on November 9, 2018 at the age of 90.

The memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at 1:30 pm at First Baptist Church of Temple, Texas.  Rev. Gary Anthony will be officiating.  A private family burial will precede the service at Bellwood Memorial Park.  The family will receive visitors from 5-7:00 pm Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home.

Ruth graduated from Rogers High School in May of 1945.  After completing training in Missouri at the Western Union School, she worked as a teletype operator and night manager at Western Union in Temple. 

It was during high school that Ruth’s five year courtship with Doug Ray began.  They became engaged on Christmas Eve 1949 then married on June 16, 1950 at First Baptist Church Rogers, Texas. 

Ruth left Western Union in 1951 to be a stay at home mom to her two sons, Mark and David.  She was Doug’s biggest supporter as he transitioned from working at Santa Fe Railroad to starting his own family painting business.

Ruth joined First Baptist Temple in 1948.  Thus began the journey of loving, giving, and praying for the people of First Temple.  Ruth taught over 50 years – first and third grade children and also Baptist Young Women.  Together Doug and Ruth were involved in leading Training Union and described those 50 years of teaching as their happiest.  She was a strong influence on the lives of many in church.  She loved unconditionally, gave generously, and was a strong and constant prayer warrior to family and friends. 

Ruth’s culinary skills were enjoyed by many as she baked and delivered delicious treats almost daily.   Her grandchildren, nieces, and special young friends spent many hours in her kitchen helping to cook, and then eat, her famous “wagon wheel sized” cookies and other meal time favorites.

Ruth was an exceptional example of what a sibling, wife, mother, friend, and Christian should be.  Her legacy will live on through those she loved, taught, and influenced.

Ruth is survived by her husband of 68 years Douglas of Temple, two sons, Mark and wife Celia of Temple, David and wife Heide of Temple.  “Nana” has four grandchildren – Justin of Temple, Tyler and wife Courtney of Houston, Rebekah of Galveston, and Bradley of Austin, and one great granddaughter, Reagan of Houston.  Ruth is also survived by a brother Jack Green of Victoria, a sister Beverley Green Ralston of Rogers, sister-in-law Linda Green of Rogers, and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her brother, Bob Green. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund.