Steven Ray

Steven Henry Ray, 87, of Clifton, passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at his home with his loving wife at his side. He was born on April 2, 1927 in Caraway, AR, to Hooper and Ora Ray. He married Bonnie Bailey on June 24, 1950 in Harrisburg, AR, they have been married for nearly 65 years. Steven was born in Arkansas, worked on a farm until 1952, moved to Willcox, AZ to ranch until 1955. They moved back and forth from Arkansas and Arizona until permanently moving to Clifton in 1955. He went to work for Phelps Dodge Mining Company form 1955 1976 where he worked as a mechanic. He retired from the mine but never really retired; he was always working on many projects around the house, and loved to restore old cars. He loved to travel with his wife Bonnie to many different places. He loved to fish, camp, and hunt. They worked as caretakers for a hunting club in Arkansas. He is survived by his wife Bonnie of Clifton; daughter, Bonnie Tracy (David) of Clifton; sons, Steven Henry Ray, Jr. (Pat) of Tucson, James Ray (Leslie) of Clifton, Dale Ray (Karen) of Deming, NM, and Marvin Ray (Cathy) of San Jose, AZ; sister, Opal Ray of Missouri, 23 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three great grandchildren, Izabella Radzikowski, Steven Gurtler, and Andrew Gurtler; siblings, Cora, Ruby, Rosetta, O.D., and Leo. Viewing will be on Thursday, January 15, 2015 from 5-7 p.m. at the Caldwell Funeral Chapel, 112 East Main Street, Safford, and one hour prior to services at the church. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 16, 2015 at the Potters House Christian Fellowship, 402 West Main Street, Safford. Interment will be at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Morenci at 3 p.m.