Mary Ray 1949-2025

Mary A. Ray, 75, Abilene, died Jan. 8, 2025, in Lenexa.

She was born July 31, 1949, in Holton, the daughter of Frank and Alice Patterson Sanderson. She graduated from Holton High School in 1967 and attended Emporia State University.

Mrs. Ray worked in civilian service for the U.S. Army Department of Defense at Fort Riley, retiring in 2009. She and her husband moved to Abilene in 1972.

She married John Ray on Aug. 29, 1970. He preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, John and Glen Sanderson; and three sisters, Ruth Burns, Anna Owrey, and Faye Sanderson.   

Survivors include two daughters, Julia Schemper and husband Craig, Prairie View, and Angela Ray, Olathe; six grandchildren, Isabelle, Deacon, Drew, Iris and Inez Schemper, all of Prairie View, and Brittany Ogden and husband Ray, Abilene; two great-grandsons, Brodie and Walker, both of Abilene; and many nieces and nephews.

Inurnment will occur at a later date in Abilene.