Patricia Frances Ray

Patricia Frances (Fritts) Ray peacefully passed away on December 3, 2023, at the age of 85, due to complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Patty was born April 2, 1938, at a midwife center in Okanogan, Washington. She was the youngest of four children born to parents Harry and Cecile Fritts. Patty spoke of a happy childhood filled with love and family activities that included sharing good meals, camping, fishing, skating, golf, and an appreciation of art. Following her siblings, Patty completed elementary school through high school in Okanogan. She was a proud member of the 1956 Okanogan High School graduating class, and she enjoyed friendships and fun times with classmates throughout her life. As a teenager Patty enjoyed activities in school and the community. She was cheerleader, prom queen, served as Worthy Advisor in Rainbow Girls, and Princess Okanogan in the Apple Blossom Parade. She also worked at local businesses, including Okanogan Bakery, The Den, and Avalon Theater. Patty was a high school sophomore when a dashing senior asked her for a date in October 1953. He was excited that this fun, bright, and pretty girl also enjoyed sports, camping, and fishing. Three years later, on June 2, 1956, Patty and Donald W. Ray were married in Okanogan at the stone Methodist church. To this day, the couple’s children enjoy hearing about the adventures of Patty and Don as teens and young adults. Patty was a devoted homemaker and mother who raised four children: Cynthia, Christopher, Andrea, and Nicholas. Patty and Don supported their children, in all their activities and interests, whether it be football, basketball, track, tennis, band, Boy Scouts, Bluebirds, or Rainbow Girls. Patty chaperoned, provided rides, baked treats, and created decorations for many of the children’s functions. Patty was creative throughout her life and at various points in time she focused on painting art, sewing, knitting, and decorating. As a grandmother, Patty proudly watched her grandchildren grow and evolve as individuals. She was a dedicated fan and enjoyed watching her grandchildren participate in baseball, basketball, swimming, fastpitch, soccer, and 4-H county fair events. Once her children grew older, Patty worked at Marv’s Shoe Store, Nancy’s Fancy, Washington DSHS, and as a professional flagger. Patty enjoyed searching for antiques and collectables, which led her to operating retail booths in several antique stores. In 1982, Patty and Don began North Star Land Surveying Inc., where Patty’s duties included field crew, drafting (survey maps), and president of the corporation. After retirement in 1999, Patty and Don enjoyed trips to the Oregon Coast, Canada, and Nevada. They also had great fun on a cruise through the Panama Canal and an Alaskan cruise. Time with family was important to Patty. She enjoyed our family gatherings, including a campout at Bonapart Lake in the pouring rain; a floating race on the Chewuch River; cooking 2 burgers on the bank after fishing; and Rayunions with great food and campfires near Lake Roosevelt. An avid fan of sports, Patty’s family knew better than to call during a Seahawk or Zag game. She had great style sense and appreciated nature, art, antiques, good books, and good discussion. Patty’s family will most miss her love, support, conversation, humor, and wonderful meals. Patty is survived by her husband of 67 years, Donald W. Ray of Okanogan; daughters: Andrea Smith (John) of Okanogan and Cynthia Boswell (Jon) of Wenatchee; son, Christopher Ray (Kristi) of Cheney; grandchildren: Jarrett Smith, Alec Boswell, Hannah Boswell, Crystal Griffin (John), Zachary Ray, Andrea Ray, Anastasia Ray, Elijah Ray (Shylnn); five great grandchildren; one great, great, grandchild. Patty was preceded in death by her son, Nicholas Ray; father, Harry Fritts; mother, Cecile Fritts; sister, Maxine Bissell; brothers: Donald Fritts, Robert Fritts. A special thank you to the staff at Regency Omak, including administration, medical, aides, and other staff, for their compassion and care of Patty for the past three years. A private family graveside service was held in December. River Valley Funeral and Cremation of Okanogan is in care of arrangements. A Celebration of Patricia’s Life will be 1:00 PM, Saturday, April 20th 2024 at River Valley Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Patricia Frances Ray

April 2, 1938 - December 3, 2023