Ritchie Randall Ray, 73, of Almena, passed away, January 11, 2020 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE.

He was born March 29, 1946, in Almena, KS, to Christopher and Zora (Moser) Ray.

Rich attended Almena Rural High School where he met his sweetheart Rita Williams.  Rich and Rita were married on October 28, 1967 at the Almena Congregational Church.

Following high school, Rich went to work for KDOT and joined the U.S. Army Reserves.  He spent 6 years in the Army Reserves and worked for KDOT for 44 years as a heavy equipment operator, retiring in 2008.

Rich had many talents.  He was an amazing singer.  We all loved it when he got his guitar out. He could sing the artist's song as well as they could. Rich took such pride in his yard and house which he spent countless hours getting just right! He also was able to take a rusted old beat up piece of metal and turn it into the most beautiful gas pump you every did see.  Rich was very handy in the woodworking department too.  He crafted a cradle for each of his kids to have for their new babies, as well as many other special pieces that his family adores.

Rich spent many hours remodeling their home.  When he wasn't doing all these things, you could find him in the back 80.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Christopher and Zora; two brothers, Ernest "Bud" and Bill; two sisters, Nadine Brooks and Donna Keiswetter; and a son-in-law, Bryan Vincent.

Survivors include his wife Rita of the home; 3 children, Robin Vincent of Derby KS, Rick Ray and wife, Marla of Lenexa, KS and Randa Ray and Craig Dye of Wichita, KS and 11 grandkids.  He is also survived by a sister, Doloris Smalley of Scotts Bluff, NE; two brothers, Jim Ray and wife, Jeanne of Norton, KS and Bob Ray of Texas; and many other family and friends.

Cremation was planned.  A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 17th at the Almena Congregational Church, Almena, KS, with Pastor Ron Martin officiating.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening, January 16 ^th from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Almena Congregational Church for visitation.  Friends are welcome to sign the book at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Almena Congregational Church.