Dell Owen Ray, 89, of Eagle, ID, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2025, surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and his loving rescue dog, Mimi, after a brief illness and a broken heart.
Born on August 31, 1935, in Boise, ID, to Frank and Dolly Ray, Dell was brought home to the family ranch, Ray Acres, in Eagle, ID. He was later joined by his sister, Carmen. Dell often reminisced about sleeping on the porch when Carmen arrived, with his mom placing hot bricks at the foot of his bed to keep him warm during the winter nights. Dell helped his dad on the ranch as a child, where he learned many valuable skills and developed a love for horses. He proudly broke many of his dad’s Quarterhorses, milked countless dairy cows, and tended to beef cattle and pigs.
As a teen, Dell had a need for speed and loved motorcycles and being a daredevil. Dell was a tinkerer, always building and fixing things.
Dell graduated from high school in 1953, as part of the last graduating class of the old Eagle High School. He excelled as an athlete, playing football, basketball, and baseball, and even enjoyed boxing. His classmates were dear to him, and he continued to meet with them monthly for pizza and conversation.
In high school, Dell met his sweetheart and wife of 69 years, Betty. They married in Reno, NV, in February 1955, a convenient halfway point between Eagle and Pomona, CA, allowing family from Idaho to join the celebration. Upon Betty’s return to California her junior year, Dell transferred with Western Electric to Los Angeles to be close to her.
Together, Dell and Betty raised four children: daughter Lori, and sons Barry, Kelly, and Jeff. He enjoyed coaching his sons, especially baseball.
Dell was a dedicated Journeyman Electrician and a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 291. He was a 66-year member of the union. He attended night school at Boise Junior College to further his career in the electrical trade. Throughout his career, Dell was proud of his union membership and often shared its importance with his grandchildren.
Dell’s work took him across the United States, with notable job locations including Western Electric in Los Angeles, Boeing in Seattle, Hells Canyon Dam, The Nevada Test Site, Pelican Bay Penitentiary, and various jobs in Montana, Minnesota, New York, and Texas. Occasionally, Dell and Betty would pause their electrical work pursuits to explore entrepreneurial interests, such as Shady Acres store in Eagle, a Peach Orchard in Cochise, AZ, and an unfinished wood furniture store in Willcox, AZ.
Dell loved traveling and attempted to visit every state in the U.S. after retirement. Memorable trips included driving to Alaska in their motorhome, fall trips from Idaho to the Northeastern states, and down to Florida and back to Arizona. He appreciated visiting his grandchildren in the Midwest and Northwest.
His relationships with his grandchildren were important to him. He enjoyed talking on the phone with them and visiting them even more. It was a guarantee that he would tell you he was arriving in five days and show up two days later, excited to see you. In his final days, he told us that he was going to go for a drive.
Two years ago, Dell and Betty adopted Mimi from the Idaho Humane Society. Dell loved her dearly, like only a doggy dad could. Mimi was a grouchy dog who was very protective of them. During Dell’s final days, we all fell a bit more in love with her and understood why he loved her so much.
Dell was known for his unruly and unpolished demeanor, often causing a stir with his straightforward and unapologetic nature. Despite this, his family and friends loved him dearly and appreciated his honesty and the unique charm he brought into their lives. Once, his best friend, Jerry Wagner, stated, “Damnit Dell, if one day I woke up and didn’t hear you bitching, I’d know you were dead.” The world became a lot quieter with Dell’s passing.
In his passing, Dell joins his wife Betty, parents Frank and Dolly, cousin Walt Purdy, in-laws Albert and Marie Heironimus, sister-in-law Beverly Everhart, brothers-in-law Warren Hicks and Cal Everhart, daughter-in-law Sandy Ray, nephews Tom and Jerry Hicks, and his best friend Jerry Wagner.
Dell is survived by his children: daughter Lori and 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. His family grew to seven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. As well as his sister, Carmen and brother-in-law, Billy. Also his beloved dog, Mimi.
A special thank you to his favorite caregivers, Mariella and Noelia, as well as Vito. In his last year of life, he spoke fondly of his caregivers and the care they provided to him and Betty. We are forever grateful for the care they gave them, as well as Cindy and Bill Herman who adopted Mimi.
Dell’s legacy is one of hard work, dedication, and love for his family and community. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 2:00pm at Bowman Funeral Parlor located at 10254 W. Carlton Bay Garden City, Idaho 83714.