Ray Smith

In Loving Memory of Ray Smith. . . Ray Smith, a loving husband, devoted dad, and respected educator, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2024, at the age of 93. Ray was born in Omak, Washington, on September 23, 1930. He spent his childhood in Omak, until moving to the Soap Lake/Ephrata area in his teens. Ray attended Ephrata High School, where he excelled in academics, especially the sciences. He also enjoyed sports, with football and track being his favorites. Ray’s pursuit of higher education - and girls, he would say - led him to Central Washington College of Education, where he met the love of his life, Doreen Joyce Springer. They were married September 5, 1952, setting the stage for a beautiful life together. In the spring of 1953, they welcomed their first, of five children, and graduated together embarking on a journey filled with love, laughter, and adventure. In service to his country, Ray entered the Marine Corps, where as an officer, he exemplified courage, honor, and dedication. Along with his beloved wife, and growing family, Ray moved to various locations, during his years of service including; Virginia, North Carolina, and California. Following his honorable discharge, Ray and Doreen settled in Richland, Washington, where he began his distinguished career in education. Ray devoted himself to shaping the minds and hearts of countless students, teaching upper elementary and secondary before pursuing his administrative credentials. Ray spent time as administrator in the Endicott, Entiat, and Wenatchee School Districts. His passion for education was evident in his unwavering commitment to the students and staff he felt privileged to lead. Outside of his professional endeavors, Ray’s presence brought joy and warmth to all who knew him, and he formed special lifelong friendships. Among those were with the McHaney’s, Gelbs, and Rusts who, for over 20 years, celebrated Marine Corps Birthday together - enjoying travel, themed parties, and many exciting escapades. Ray was a devoted family man who took on multiple jobs in order to make ends meet, so that Doreen had the opportunity to stay home and raise the family. One of his “extra jobs” was driving combine during the summer, on his dad’s Ephrata wheat ranch. He really enjoyed this extra time that he could spend with his parents, Woodsie and Gertrude Smith. Ray was a source of wisdom, guidance, and unconditional love for his children and grandchildren. This was evident when he would help build a last minute science fair project or go on “bug walks” to collect insects needed for a class assignment. The latter being among his favorite hobbies: bug collection - he was an entomologist at heart as well as bird enthusiast. In his retirement, Ray and Doreen enjoyed many years of travel and fun times together, as well as with friends. These excursions took them across the country and the ocean. One of their favorite destinations being Hawaii. Ray was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Doreen, and son, Mike. Survivors include his children, Dyann (Gary) Schwendeman of Tucson, AZ, Dennis (Janiece) Smith of Richland, Rod (Becky) Smith of Wenatchee, LaRae (Jeff) Benson of Malaga; five grandchildren, Kellie (Robert) Rankin, Cashmere, Jessica Meenach, Richland, Adam (Vanessa) Smith, Seattle, Jordyn Benson, Wenatchee, and Austin Benson, Leavenworth; along with nine great-grandchildren. Ray’s legacy of service, integrity, and compassion will forever be remembered by those whose lives he touched. A Graveside service will be Monday, April 22, 11:00 am at Medical Lake Veterans Cemetery, 21702 W Espanola Rd, Medical Lake, WA.

Ray Smith

September 23, 1930 - April 8, 2024