RAY, Rita M.

Rita M. Ray, 82, passed away on Thursday Jan. 18, 2007 at her home here in Lake Havasu City. She was born Jan. 25, 1924 in Kansas City, Kansas to Daniel and Catherine Nolan. Rita attended St. Mary's College in Leavenworth, Kansas before going to work for the Union Pacific Railroad. While working on the railroad she met her future husband, Charles. They were married for 48 years and raised 5 children in Anaheim, Ca. Vacation time was often spent on the Colorado River while staying at their mobile home in Parker, AZ. Rita and Charles finally retired to Lake Havasu in 1991. Rita was active in VFW Post 9401 Ladies Auxiliary and the London Bridge Chapter of the 82'nd Airborne Ladies Auxiliary. She also volunteered as a tutor in the Adult Literacy program in Lake Havasu. She loved playing bingo and gambling at casinos. She was a bowler and coached her daughter in Bobby Sox softball. She was a member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Her survivors include her sons Mike and John Ray of Lake Havasu; Jim Ray of Reno, NV; Bob Ray of Anaheim, Ca; daughter, Trish Ray of Hermosa Beach, CA; brother Dr. J. Richard Nolan of Omaha, NE and her grandchildren, Colin Ray and Briana Woolery-Ray of Poway, Ca. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her brothers Ralph and Bob Nolan. Visitation and Rosary will be held Monday Jan. 22, 2007 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Lietz-Fraze Funeral home. A memorial mass will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2007 at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Hospice of Havasu, PO Box 597, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86405 or to VFW Post 9401, 266 London Bridge Road, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory. (Obit: Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home, Lake Havasu City, AZ)