https://www.facebook.com/BehrensWilsonFuneralHome/https://www.facebook.com/BehrensWilsonFuneralHome/Elaine Marlene Ray, 90, Rapid City, SD, died Monday, November 15, 2021, at her daughter, Sue’s home at 3:10 p.m.
Elaine was born February 9, 1931 to Earl Brown and Clara (Root) Brown. One of four girls, Darlene, Evonne (her twin sister), and Barbra. She spent most of her life in Rapid City, SD. She grew up in a loving home with wonderful parents. Along with her sisters she learned to help out (work) at a very young age. As times were very tough back in those years and everyone was expected to “chip in”. Elaine was always happy to do more than her part.
As she got older she met and married Merle T. Ray. Together they had six children. She poured her love into all of her children as she raised them into adulthood. She took her job as homemaker very seriously and was always there for all of her kids’ needs. Her favorite thing in life was simply to be with her loved ones. In her personal life with her family, no matter what was happening, her love shined through to support, comfort and give strength and encouragement to all of her many loved ones, to help us to carry the burdens of life with grace, honor and dignity, just as she did. Her example was everything.
Her identity was in her rolls as wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Elaine was the cement that held the family together, firm with her inspiration and example of “how to be”. She was humble beyond compare, never seeking material goods or personal glory. Instead she valued the intangible principles of faith, hope, forgiveness, kindness, honesty, respect and dignity. Most of all she valued the one grand principle of principles, the spirit of love. She embodied the spirit of love, as was shown by the way she lived her life.
This world is not a colder place because she is gone, but instead, this world is a much warmer comfortable place because she was here.
Never bitter words did leave her mouth. To know Elaine was to be touched by love. She extended her kindness to absolute strangers, with no concern at all as to whether they were worthy or not. She gave her loving kindness freely to all. Elaine loved life! She loved people, she loved animals too, like her pet Chihuahua, Pebbles, and Pebbles loved her back.
Elaine seldom complained about petty issues. She was above ego pride and never said or did anything that might hurt another person’s feelings. She was the most considerate person, always helpful, never hurtful. She was always doing for others and seldom for herself. She never needed the common trappings of material gain and the strife that comes with it. Her very essence was love, unconditional. Elaine’s story is of a life to celebrate. Her love will always comfort the people who were fortunate enough to have known her.
Elaine’s life story is a long one, having outlived most of her generation.
Elaine was preceded in death by both parents, Earl and Clara, and by all three sisters, Darlene Ray, Evonne Arlene Prentice, and Barbra Jean Morris.
Survivors include all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Children: Linda Mae Grueschow, Michael Orville Ray, Susan Marie Gilles, with husband, Jim, Joyce Ann Matson, Sheila Lou and husband, Robert (Clint) Coyle and Earl J Ray.
Grandchildren: Ronnie Grueschow, Tisha Grueschow, Sheena Kristine Ray, Crystal, Tracy, Jason, Lisa, Felicia, Amanda, Cassidy, Cara, Cory, Casey, Tyler Ray, Tori Ray, True Furline and Aiden Ray.
Great grandchildren: Dave, Kyler, Bella, Avelena, Neveah, Lee Ann Ray-Holbrooks, Ian Michael Ray, Kelsey, Trevaun, Deshaun, Landon, Linkin, Jackson, Ashton, Kalirenee, Takoda, Kylaann, Ahmet, Malachi, Urijah, Channing, Sawyer, Kayden, Kaylee, Max and Teddy.