Obituary: Ruef, Rev. Melvin Raymond “Ray”

Melvin Raymond “Ray” (Age 81) Ray passed into the presence of his Savior Jesus Christ on May 10th, 2014, at Sacred Heart Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Ray was born April 7th, 1933, in Bremerton, WA, graduating from Bremerton High School in 1951.

In 1955 he graduated from the University of Washington and then enlisted in the Army.

He was stationed in Germany where he served for two years.

Ray then attended Dallas Theological Seminary, graduating in 1962.

He was then commissioned as a Chaplain (1st Lieutenant) in the U.S. Army.

In 1965, Ray accepted the position of Pastor of the Liberty Lake Community Church where he served for 24 years.

He then pastored at Deer Park Community Church for five years, followed by 12 years as Visitation Pastor and Pastor to Senior Adults at Valley Fourth Church in Spokane Valley.

Ray was a blessing to many families as he served as a Minister-on-call for Thornhill Valley and Hazen Jaeger Funeral Homes.

For many years, he also led tours for senior adults to locations in the U.S. and overseas.

Ray served on the board of Inland Empire School of the Bible (now Moody Bible Institute), and Chairman of the Christian Workers Conference for several years.

Ray is survived by his wife, Karen; daughter Marilyn (Cliff) Neve; daughter Janice (Bryan) Olson; son, Steve (Lisa) Ruef; grandchildren Jerod, Brittany, Jordan, Tyler, Corey, Camden, Samantha, Anna, Kailey, and Cheyenne; and great-grandchildren Savannah, Pierce, and Ryah.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2pm on Monday, May 19th, 2014, at Valley Fourth Church at 2303 S. Bowdish Road, Spokane Valley, WA.

In lieu of flowers, in Ray’s memory, you may wish to make a donation to Valley Fourth Church.