Delores Eileen Ray

Delores’ father ran movie picture theaters in Kansas and Missouri, and the family moved frequently as he was assigned a new movie theater. She worked at the theater as a cashier, and it was here that she developed her life-long love of the old movies. In high school, she was Editor of the yearbook and a member of the National Honor Society.

Delores married a World War II Purple Heart veteran, Staff Sergeant Clarence R. (Tad) Ray and they had a long life together. In the early years, she was a member of the VFW Auxiliary.

Delores' love for her family has always been a significant part of her life. Her two sons are U of A Distinguished Professor Dennis T. Ray (Dr. Margaret M. Briehl) and Byron (Ron) H. Ray (Brenda M.), athletic director, teacher and coach. Her two granddaughters are Dr. Danielle M. Carroll (Justin M.), Radiologist, and Meredith M. Ray, sophomore at U of A. Her great-grandchildren are Mackenzie L. and Brayden R. Carroll.

In Tucson, Delores worked for many years as playground monitor and PTA President at Fort Lowell School. While her boys were young, she was a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts.

Delores joined Northminster Presbyterian Church (NPC) 63 years ago when the church met in the halls of Gertrude Cragin Elementary School. She has been a large part of the growth and beauty of the church. She held almost every office and served on every committee that the church has had: Elder, Clerk of Session, Senior High Youth Advisor, Sunday School Teacher, Craft Leader, President of the Women, and Circle Leader. She worked on wedding and funeral receptions and the building committee, taught the new member class for years and was a member of the Northminster staff. Last, but not least, she formed a deep and enduring friendship with Dr. Richard F. Rowley, emeritus Pastor of NPC, and his wife Jean.

Delores’ love of art and design began as a child and continued as she attended the Art Institute of Kansas City and took art classes at the U of A. Her talent was put to good use at NPC. She designed the church seal, designed and constructed the holiday decorations, and designed all of the stained glass throughout the church. Her artwork can be seen whenever you go to worship or to meetings at NPC.

Delores greatly enjoyed her membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution and she served as the Chaplain for a period of time. She also served on committees of the Presbytery de Cristo. She was a woman of great intellect and curiosity, with many hobbies. Her collection of crosses was extensive and well-known; she gave talks about it to many organizations in Tucson. Through her books and studies, Delores became a true biblical scholar.

Delores is greatly missed by her family, friends and faithful cat, Nudge. A memorial service will be held for her at NPC at a later date. I lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity, in her memory.