Carolyn M. (Petyus) Ray

Our beloved mother, Carolyn Mae Ray, was reunited with her soulmate, Robert Lloyd Ray (Bob), on Saturday, July 14, 2018 after being separated for 31 years. Carolyn was 87 years old.
Born to Steven Petyus and Caroline Marten on July 26, 1930, Carolyn enjoyed living in Huntington Park, California, along with her sister, Georgia. She graduated from Alhambra High School in Los Angeles. While babysitting for Alice Ray Lassen, a handsome Navy Radioman, Bob, entered her life. Soon Carolyn realized that Alice would become her sister-in-law as Robert and she fell deeply in love. However, Carolyn was only 16 years old, so they waited until she graduated from high school before marrying on September 12, 1948 in Grace, Idaho. Making their home in Pocatello, Idaho, the family grew as four children blessed their lives.
Carolyn loved being with friends and family, especially when a deck of cards, good food and good conversation were involved. She was a great hostess both at home and at the loft in Island Park. No one left her presence hungry or thirsty. Carolyn was compassionate and expressed her love by serving. After Bob was injured in a work accident, she achieved the Practical Nurse Training Certificate from Idaho State University Nursing Program and St. Anthony Community Hospital in 1969. She was a member of BETA Sigma Phi. Due to her strong work ethic and drive for learning, she continued her education during her nursing career and after retirement. She became a Licensed Practical Nurse while employed at Bannock Nursing Home as the charge nurse. Education was so important to her that she encouraged and provided opportunities for coworkers to obtain their career goals as well. As Bannock Nursing Home became Bannock Geriatrics, she managed the patients’ medical records. Carolyn gave freely of her time and effort to help patients with personal and family needs. A coworker noted, “Her job wasn’t really a job, but a pleasure.” In 1992, she retired from Bannock Geriatrics to continue caring for family, neighbors and friends.
Carolyn is survived by Julie Ray Hedges (Retired Col. David Trapper Hedges), Robert Steven, Scott Lee (Kathy) and Kelly D (Kim). Thirteen grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren call her grandma. Preceding her in death were her husband, mother, father, stepfather and sister.
Scheduled funeral services include a viewing from 6:30-8 pm Friday, July 20, 2018 at the Cornelison Funeral Home 431 N 15th Avenue, and a viewing on Saturday, July 21, 2018 from 1-2 pm at the LDS Alameda 3rd Ward, 954 E Walnut Street. The funeral is at 2 pm. Internment is scheduled at the Mountain View Cemetery in Pocatello, Idaho. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.cornelisonfh.com
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