Virginia Ellen Ray

Rev. Virginia Ray left this ol’ world on Dec. 14, 2018, and was swept up into heaven to her eternal home by her Lord and savior Jesus. Virginia was born on Sept. 11, 1924, in Olathe, Colorado, to Raymond and Elsie Bush.  Virginia, from a very young girl, felt the call of Jesus upon her heart and dedicated her life to his service. She comes from a family that has many pastors, evangelists and missionaries. While attending a Portland Mission Church, she met Lawrence Ray, and the two were attracted by romance and a common call to serve Jesus, and were married in February 1942.  Virginia was only 17 years old when she was married, but had a good marriage of 61 years to her beloved husband, filled with raising four sons, adventures of travel, and serving the Lord together wherever they felt he was calling them. Virginia and Lawrence were both ordained Assemblies of God ministers who pastored several churches in the Northwest. They were responsible for building several churches, including the Assemblies of God church in Warrenton, Oregon.  There is not room to tell of the lives they touched, and souls won for Jesus, in their many years together as pastors and evangelists. Virginia was a very gifted, talented lady — musician, artist, speaker, teacher, author and crafter. She wrote a book for children on understanding the book of Revelation. She also won several blue ribbons at the Clatsop County Fair for her art.  There were two things Mom Ray loved more than anything else: Jesus and her family. If you had a conversation with her, and you needed help, she would share a scripture and pray for you for whatever you needed. Mom also loved the outdoors, and camping, and entertaining her grandchildren with her creative crafts.  Virginia is survived by her brother and his wife, Harold and Judy Bush; four sons and their wives, Paul and Mary Ray, Larry and Kathy Ray, Mark and Loretta Ray and Tim and Barb Ray; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.  Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence; grandson, Mark D. Ray; two brothers; and two sisters.  Visitation is from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 21 at Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary in Astoria.  Funeral services will be at Calvary Assembly of God in Warrenton at 1 p.m. Dec. 22.