Betty Joann Ray, 87, passed away surrounded by family on October 30, 2024, in Boise, ID. Betty was born on May 7, 1937 in Ontario, OR to Albert and Bessie “Marie” Callihan Heironimus. Betty lived in multiple locations throughout her childhood and her adult life, but always considered Eagle, her “homebase.” While Betty had attended Eagle schools for a few years, she returned to California her junior and senior year of high school. Betty was a proud graduate of Pomona High School Class of 1955.
Betty spent her childhood between Boise, ID, Weiser, ID and California. Betty spoke fondly of memories spent with cousins, her Aunt Ramah Henson, specifically, the train ride from Boise to Weiser and playing at Mortimer’s Island and Ramah’s neighbor kids. She spoke fondly of her time living with her sister Beverly, and brother-in-law Warren and helping out with baby Fern when she was in high school.
Betty was a part of a large family, that was spread out from the Midwest to the West Coast. She enjoyed attending the Callihan Family Reunion in Boise, bringing all of her cousins together. A visit to grandma, provided a history lesson that included pictures, facts and how we were related to each person. Her family relationships were important to her.
While attending high school in Eagle, Betty met her husband of 69 years, Dell Ray. Together, Dell and Betty raised their children, daughter, Lori, and sons Barry, Kelly and Jeff. Dell was a Journeyman Electrician that took them throughout the Western United States. Throughout their travels and many moves, Betty was able to stay home with her children, while taking on an occasional job as the children got older. Betty spoke fondly of her time working at grocery stores, especially her father’ s corner shop, Dell and Betty’s furniture store, and H&R Block.
Betty was an extremely talented seamstress and quilter. Betty made many of her children and grandchildren’s clothes. Betty will forever be remembered for her love of quilting. She taught quilting classes, sold many of her works of art throughout the US, received many awards and went to many quilting retreats. She always spoke fondly of her time at the Jerome Monastery with her quilting friends that she spent a weekend each spring. Betty enjoyed connecting with other quilters through her quilt magazines and internet groups and did many quilt swaps. As she and Dell traveled the US after retirement, a quilt shop, or craft show was always a stop she was up for.
In addition to her love of quilting, Betty was a skilled bowler, winning many trophies. Betty enjoyed meeting with the Eagle High School Graduates for lunch as well as playing pinochle with friends and was one of the catalysts for their return to the Treasure Valley after many years in Northern Idaho.
Betty never lived far from her children and grandchildren. In their retirement, Dell and Betty split their time between Idaho and Arizona, building relationships with their grandchildren. Betty made each of her grandchildren feel important in their own way. They made many trips to see their grandchildren annually, as they moved away and started their own families.
If you were a stranger when you met Betty, you weren’t for long. Betty had many treasured friendships, including Karen Wagner, longtime best friend, Sharon Jackson, her childhood and Eagle school classmate, Shirley Reedy, whom she raised her children with, and her cousin Helen Allen.
Betty joins her parents, baby brother Billy Dean, sister Beverly Everhart, brother in-laws Warren Hicks, and Cal Everhart, in-laws Frank and Dolly Ray and daughter-in-law Sandy Ray, nephews, Tom and Jerry Hicks.
Betty is survived by her husband, Dell, daughter Lori and favorite son in law, Terry of Weiser, ID sons, Barry Ray and significant other Cindy Williams of Benson, AZ, Kelly Ray of Salmon, ID and Jeff Ray, of Weiser, ID. Her family grew to seven grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
Services will be on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 1 PM at Bowman Funeral Home, 10254 W Carlton Bay Drive, Boise, ID. Graveside services will immediately follow at Dry Creek Cemetery. Lunch will be provided for family and friends following the services.
A special thank you to St. Al’s Floor 9 Nursing Staff, especially, Michelle, Cas, Katie and Annie who provided the utmost care of our mom and grandma in her final days.
Mom and Grandma, we will hold our memories of you in our hearts and will stay warm under your special quilts.