Groomes Raymond

Raymond Dean Groomes, 64, of Omak, WA passed away peacefully on February 14th , 2023, surrounded by his family. Ray was born on April 3rd, 1958, in Omak, WA to Doyle and Virginia Groomes. He was the oldest of four children, the quintessential big brother, always looking out for his younger siblings, Larry, Duane, and Darla. Ray grew up in Okanogan, WA and attended Okanogan High School, graduating in 1977. He was a football star on the Okanogan High School football team and was known by his teammates as a standout middle linebacker and received many accolades throughout his time playing for the Bulldogs. Ray lived several other places throughout his life, but Omak was a town he loved and always returned to. In the summer of 1985, Ray was married to Charleen and together they had three children, John, Jason, and Amanda. He was later married to Carol Groomes where he was blessed to love three more children as his own, Shane, Shaylynne, and Stacy. Ray and Carol remained happily married until her passing, with him continuing to love her every day after until his own passing, when he was finally able to re-join the love of his life, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Ray was predeceased by his mother, Virginia Groomes, father, Doyle Groomes, and wife, Carol Groomes. Ray is survived by his son John Heller (Clarissa) of Shoreline, WA and their children: Lilyana, Chance, Colton, Caine, and Cayson; his son, Jason Groomes (Viliamu Miller) of Seattle, WA; his daughter Amanda Abrahamson (Martin) of Omak, WA and their children: Amari, Kenidee, Brooke, and Natalia; his son Shane Caito (Kim) of Bend, OR and their children: Amanda, Aiden, and Avery; his daughter Shaylynne Kalberg (Jason) of Bend, OR and their children: Kaydrie, Mikie, Acacia, Caius, and Matias; and his son Stacy Caito (Melinda) of Bend, OR and their children: Kahlan and Tanis. Ray is also survived by his brother, Larry Groomes (Pam) of Mount Angel, OR and their children: Dustin (Gwen) and Ashley; his brother Duane Groomes of Omak, WA and his children: Derik (Jamie) and Alicia (Jacob); and his sister Darla Pena (Randy) of Keizer, OR and their children: Brittany (Jesse) and Hailey; and countless more beloved family and friends. Ray enjoyed Rock-n-Roll, water sports, hunting, WSU Cougar football, poetry, wood working, their dog Rudy, and most of all, he loved his family. Ray had numerous one-liners that many know and love which include: “I love you more than air”, “Bent Steele and Sex Appeal”, “You’re the prettiest flower in the garden”, “You know who I love more than you? Nobody”, and finally, “Stylin’ and Profilin’”, along with so many others that we will remember and hold onto forever. Ray’s family is holding a Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 18th at 4:00 pm at the Omak Elks Lodge. There will be a potluck style dinner, and everyone is welcome to join us in celebrating our amazing Father, Papa, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, and Friend.

Groomes Raymond

April 3, 1958 - February 14, 2023