Ray B. Andrus

1931 - 2019

Ray B. Andrus obituary, 1931-2019, Murray, UT

FUNERAL HOME

Ray Andrus Obituary

Ray B. Andrus
1931 ~ 2019
Ray was born June 12, 1931 in Murray, Utah, to Benjamin Wendell Andrus and Ruth Rawlins Brown. He was raised in Draper, Utah. He learned how to work taking care of chickens and a large garden. When he was 12, with World War II raging, he, along with his brother and uncle, ran his Grandfather's farm. He learned to run farm machinery of every kind, handle horses, milk cows, and to plant and harvest the farm crops of hay, grain and beets. He worked on the thrashing machine with his father from age eight which continued until he graduated high school.
Ray loved all sports, participating in football, basketball and baseball. In his junior and senior years at Jordan High, the football team won the state title. Ray received All-State recognition in all three sports and played in the Shriner's Football and Baseball All-Star games. Upon graduation from high school, he was awarded the Norval Vincent award as the school's Outstanding Athlete. In 1983, Ray received an award as outstanding alumni from Jordan High.
He attended the University of Utah and played football for two years and baseball for four years. He pitched a winning game in the College Baseball World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. Ray received a BA from the U of U and, a Master's degree from New York University, a CLU (Certified Life Underwriters) degree from the American College of Life Underwriters. He also attended Dartmouth Management School.
Ray had a beautiful tenor voice and sang in a chorus called the Missionary chorus with other young men from Draper. He and his wife, Delfa were members of the American West Symphony Choir for eight years. They enjoyed a performing tour with the Choir to Scandinavia in 1991.
Ray Spent seventeen years in the Army Reserve from 1951 to 1974, attaining the rank of Captain.
He worked for the JC Penny Company. After, he worked for Sperry Utah (Univac). He began working for, and in 1965, he became General Agent of the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company Inter-Mountain Area (Utah, Idaho, Montana, and Nevada). He served as president of the General Agents and Managers Council of Utah. He also served a term as president of the Sertoma Club. During his tenure as GA, his agency received the Presidents' Honorary Award three separate times; Connecticut Mutual Life's top award to an outstanding agency. He retired from the insurance business in 1986.
Ray married Delfa Hand, on April 20, 1951, in the Salt Lake Temple, who has been his sweetheart for 68 years. He loved his family dearly, providing counsel, Father's priesthood blessings, and most of all, love to his family and all who knew him.
He is survived by his sweet wife, Delfa and seven children, Monty (Julia) Andrus, Shauna Andrus (roommate and friend, Elene M. Dangerfield), Nykola (Daniel) Patton, Bret (Joyce) Andrus, Eric (Melody) Andrus, Jeril (Bear) Andrus (Mary Delly), and Kriston (Jim) Skillicorn. They have 26 grandchildren and 73 great-grandchildren.
Ray and Delfa lived in Midvale, Utah, New York City, New York, Tampa, Florida, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Murray, Utah. Ray enjoyed gardening, reading, Family History, hunting and golfing with his children and just spending time with family.
Ray was member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, serving in a number of callings. He served two different times as Bishop; two different times as High Counselor; also served as Stake Clerk overseeing the Stake Farm, Stake Aaronic Priesthood Committee, Priesthood Advisor, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School President, Ward Family History Consultant, and five years as a temple worker. He served with his wife in the Florida Tampa Mission 1993-1995. Recently, he served as the Stake Family History Center Director. For many years he was a faithful home teacher and minister. He will be sorely missed.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at the South Cottonwood LDS Ward located at 5605 S. Vine Street, with viewings at the church Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday prior to services from 9:30-10:40 a.m. Interment: Draper City Cemetery.
Online condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com

Published by Deseret News from Jul. 31 to Aug. 1, 2019.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Ray Andrus

Sponsored by Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Chapel & Cremation Center - Murray.

Not sure what to say?





Delfa, Shauna, and family, Your patriarch Ray has now passed on but know his spirit will be in your homes forever. As a friend I have been blessed knowing such a wonderful quiet and caring man who knew how to make others want to be around him. May God be with each of you.

Marilyn Watson

August 2, 2019

We love you and are so grateful for the many times we have been together, sharing stories and memories of our lives that so nearly coincide, like being married six days apart back in April 1951 in the Salt Lake Temple. Peace be unto you!

Lloyd & Elise Brown

August 2, 2019

LLoyd and Elise Brown

August 2, 2019

Our hearts are full with love for this dear man who served as our bishop and friend for many years ever since we moved to Murray in 1972. We will cherish our memories of him and his sweet, kind and loving personality. What a wonderful family he has! We love his dear wife, Delfa, and their wonderful example of love and service. Our deepest sympathy and love go out to the Andrus family.
With love, Dave and Mary Ann Swalberg and family

Dave and Mary Ann Swalberg

August 2, 2019

a loved one

August 1, 2019

I've known Ray Andrus and his family my whole life. He was a great bishop and always very supportive to my family. My heart goes out to the Andrus family. I had the great privilege of visiting Ray and Delfa a couple of weeks in their home. It is now a treasured memory for me.

Mike Rosenhan

July 31, 2019

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Kay Henn

Family

July 30, 2019

Kay Henn

July 30, 2019

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

Make a Donation
in Ray Andrus's name

Memorial Events
for Ray Andrus

Aug

2

Viewing

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

South Cottonwood LDS Ward

5605 S. Vine Street, UT 84107

Aug

3

Viewing

9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

South Cottonwood LDS Ward

5605 S. Vine Street, UT 84107

Aug

3

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

South Cottonwood LDS Ward

5605 S. Vine Street, UT 84107

Funeral services provided by:

Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Chapel & Cremation Center - Murray

4760 South State St., Murray, UT 84107

How to support Ray's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Ray Andrus's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more