Alicia Louise Ray
1962 - 2016
Alicia Louise Ray
1962 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
Alicia Ray Obituary
January 21, 1962-July 24, 2016
Alicia Louise Ray, 54, died peacefully on July 24, 2016, at her home in Lincoln, California, surrounded by family.
A seventh-grade language arts and history teacher at Antelope Crossing Middle School, Alicia fell ill with cancer in late April.
The third of five busy children, Alicia grew up in Napa, California. Always interested in the performing arts, as a girl Alicia began studying ballet with her mother at Silverado Ballet School. She also studied piano, and sang with several vocal groups at Napa High School, where she graduated in 1980.
It was ballet that had her heart and she danced briefly as a girl with San Francisco Ballet, and danced with Silverado Ballet Troupe all over northern California and on performing trips to Japan. She also taught at the Silverado Ballet School and studied in New York at the American Ballet Theater School.
Alicia studied speech pathology and audiology at San Diego State University. After graduation she worked as a sign language interpreter for several years, before moving into education, teaching first at Shearer Elementary School in Napa. Later she moved to the Sacramento area where she has taught seventh-grade history and language arts at Antelope Crossing Middle School since the school opened 22 years ago.
"You teach seventh grade?!" people often asked. Alicia responded always with modesty and good humor, bringing enthusiasm and good cheer to everyone in her orbit.
As a single mother to three boys, she also had a great deal of practice with adolescents. Family was everything to her. Prominent on the wall of Alicia's home is a metal artwork that says: "The most important things in life aren't things."
Alicia lived by that every moment. She leaves her sons: Quinton Barnett, 22, a student at Arizona State University, Prestin Barnett, 20, a student at University of Chicago, and Carson Oakes, 18, who recently graduated from Antelope High School.
Alicia's mother, Shirley Carson Ray, passed away just last summer. Her father Charles Ray, lives in Napa. Her siblings are Karen Ray, of San Francisco, Danny Ray, of Linden, Michigan, Sabrina Newsome of Roseville, and David Ray, also of Roseville.
A memorial service for Alicia Ray will be held at 10 a.m. August 6 at Mount Vernon Memorial Park, 8201 Greenback Ln. Fair Oaks, California. Reception to follow at Antelope Crossing Middle School, 9200 Palmerson Dr., Antelope, California.
Donations in lieu of flowers are suggested to: Bristol Hospice Foundation, 206 North 2100 West, Suite 202, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 or The Heifer Project, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR, 72202.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mary (mom) and Jolie La Freneir (2014-2015)
August 6, 2016
Our sincerest condolences go out to Alicia's sons, family, friends and ACMS family. Alicia was my daughters 7th grade teacher 2 yrs ago. My daughter loved Ms. Ray's class as she was easy going, fun and passionate about teaching. Plus she loved her sons and they were always part of some story! When she came home she'd have a story to share from Ms. Ray's class almost daily. Alicia made a positive impact on my daughter and was always supportive. I got to know Alicia a bit as we corresponded via email. It was an honor and privilege to have her part of our family even if it was for a short time. She will be missed.
Dena Jacobs
August 1, 2016
Our thoughts and heavy heart are with the family.
Joan Haan
August 1, 2016
Although I never had the privilege of meeting Alicia, I feel I know her through my friendship with sister Karen. My deepest sympathy to the Ray family for the loss of a sister, mother, daughter, friend, teacher.
Sending love in your journey of grief,
Joan Haan
Susan Hamilton
July 29, 2016
Alicia was such a positive, warm, uplifting person. She will be greatly missed.
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Gabriel Munoz
July 28, 2016
Ms.Ray, I'm so heartbroken that one of the most nicest, cheerful and sweetest person has left us. I was a student of yours back in 2013-2014. My favorite thing I remember about you is when you read Holes to us. I had never read the book, just watched the movie. But the way you read it to us, you read with such enthusiasm and made it feel like we were apart of it. I wish I had visited you a lot more. But I'm thankful that you were a teacher of mine. Rest in peace. You'll never be forgotten
Kevin Lewis
July 28, 2016
I was fortunate to have had Ms. Ray as my 7th grade history teacher in the 2002-2003 school year. Middle school can sometimes have its ups and downs for many, including myself. However, Ms. Ray's class was one of the of the highlights that made 7th grade my favorite year at ACMS. I can't remember a day when I didn't look forward to her class. Her sense of humor and ability to connect with her students was second to none. One of her favorite sayings during the year I had her was telling the class to avoid having diarrhea of the mouth which as I recall quieted the class pretty quickly. On several occasions throughout the year she brought one or more of her sons to class if they were out of school or sick. About half way through the school year my parents received a card in the mail from her about how she enjoyed having me in her class. It was only two short sentences but it meant a lot! (For a while it had a place on our fridge) She was the only teacher I ever had that did something like that. I regret after leaving ACMS I never had the chance to visit her and I now wish I had gotten around to sending her an email.
Praying for peace and comfort to her sons and the rest of her family through this difficult time. Having lost my own mom when I was eighteen I can understand at least a tiny bit what you are going through. It's a club that no one wants to be in
Rest in Peace Ms. Ray.
One of her favorite pictures from me
Shannon Rictor
July 28, 2016
Mrs. Ray was my favorite teacher in the world. She taught me language arts in 2015 and a bit in 2016. She is a beautiful person with a sunny personality that can make the whole world smile. If she wasn't in my life I defintatly, without a doubt be a different person. I am forever grateful to her. I was iffy about doing photography but she encouraged me to spread my wings. I'm glad she did. She asked me to send her pictures of mine as much as possible. I did for a while but as school continued, I was doing less and less. If I could go back in time I'd send her pictures everyday if it made her happy and try to help fine a cure for cancer. I drew a picture of a ballerina and she hung it on her wall in the classroom. On the last day I saw her, she told me and a few other kids, "Don't cry for me, because I'll be looking down on you and I don't want to see you cry." I didn't know what she meant until now. I cried and I failed her but I couldn't help it. I'm sorry Mrs. Ray...and I'm sorry to her family. My grandmother died and I liked to think that some of her spirit lived in Mrs. Ray. She was like a grandmother to me and supported all of my dreams and just me period from day one. She isn't just a teacher to some, she is a treasure to all.
Shannon Rictor
July 28, 2016
She was my favorite teacher ever. She taught me language arts. She was such a beautiful person with such a sunny personality. I like to write and do photography. She supported me from day one.I told her about my dreams and she told me to bring her a story that I wrote and send her some pictures as much as possible. I gave her a lot of pictures at first, but with school I became more busy and did less and less. I feel horrible and if I could go back in time I would send her one every day to make her happy. She helped me with my life so much and I am forever grateful. She was the best teacher and I never saw her without a smile on her face. My grandmother died and I like to think that some of her spirit went into Mrs. Ray. She isn't just my teacher. She is a remarkable teacher and was very talented. On the last day I saw her, she told me and a few other student not to cry because she would be looking down at us and that she doesn't want to see us cry. I didn't know whatthat meant at first but now I do. I am forever grateful to her and I love her like she is my own grandmother. She isn't a teacher, She is a friend.
One of Sannon's photos
Daryl Rictor
July 28, 2016
Our deepest condolences to Ms. Ray's family. She taught my daughter Shannon this year and was a great encouragement to her writing and photographic dreams. Shannon would send her photos she had taken and Ms. Ray always gave her loving encouragement and support. Peace be with your family - God bless!
July 28, 2016
My condolences go out to her close friends , and family . I had Mrs.Ray in 7th grade three years ago and I'll never forget the days I spent in her class . I would look forward to English everyday because of her , she had the utmost impact for my love and passion for English today . I'll never forget the stories she told about how she used sign language to help people , those stories still remain close to my heart and inspire me today . Truly a lovely and compassionate soul . And I thank her everyday for starting my drive and love for English , she won't be forgotten . Sending love and prayers to her family .
Jenny Carrick
July 28, 2016
From the Carrick Family to your family. You're all in our thoughts and prayers.
Yolanda Hazewood
July 28, 2016
My deepest condolences go out to the entire family specifically Alicia's three sons, whom she loved so very much. We shared a common interest as our sons played football and basketball together at Antelope High School. Alicia welcomed me with open arms when I moved into the neighborhood just several houses down the street from her and whenever our paths would crossed be it at Starbucks or in Safeway she ALWAYS had a smile to share and she ALWAYS talked about how proud she was of the accomplishments of her three handsome sons. Alicia will definitely be missed and although the pain will always be there I pray that her sons and family will find comfort in knowing that she is in a better place free from any pain and suffering.
Nicholas Guy
July 28, 2016
6 years ago this teacher left an such an impact on me as a person. She was so kind and she actually cared for her students. Despite my delinquen like attitude she reached out to me feed me breakfast and even offered me rides from school before i was late. Her kindness brightened my day at school even though i hated it because of bullying. She made a difference. She helped plant the seeds for students like me. Because she was in my life she set me on a path to success. Thank you so much miss fitch for being my teacher. I won't waste what you've given me. Thank you.
Toni Enderle
July 28, 2016
Miss Ray was an amazing teacher. I went through a really tough time in middle school, but despite that she never treated me any differently. English has always been my best subject, and she taught me a lot as well as fueled my love for literature. 2016 has been a though year, but we will all get through it. I'm so sorry for your whole family, my heart, thoughts, and prayers are with all of you.
July 27, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Alicia had a huge impact on my kids at ACMS. she will be very missed.
Guy Gray
July 27, 2016
Deepest sympathy to Alicia's family. She was a friend going back to the 2nd grade at Browns Valley. I always enjoyed talking to Alicia, she was very special. I also went to school at Davis along with Sabrina. (Another math nerd). It was fun to talk to Alicia about things, other than math. When I was about 30, I discovered that I had a great uncle who had been a professional ballet dancer with a group in Argentina. I remember talking to Alicia about him, and how happy she was to learn of my great uncle. ... Alicia was one of a kind. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Tara Lee
July 27, 2016
My heart is heavy with the loss of such a light. May the pain of her passing be quickly replaced with the joy of her memory. Her light will be missed, but her legacy will live on in her children and by those who's lives she touched.
Ana Bertolucci
July 27, 2016
My deepest condolences to the entire Ray family. Alicia was a special friend of mine growing up and throughout our ballet days together. I always admired her for not only her dancing ability but for her personal grace and kindness. She was a special person and I'm honored to have known her.
Boyd Quinnell
July 27, 2016
Alicia was such a sweet lady. My sincerest condolences to her boys and family. Such a terrible loss as such a young age. She was loved and admired by many.
July 27, 2016
Sincere condolences go out to Alicia's family, specifically her 3 sons. Alicia was a big part of the Antelope community through teaching and participating in community events as well as youth athletic events. She was a bright and charming young woman who touched the lives of hundreds of school children and their parents. She will be missed.
~Evans, Ty, Devin and Everett Campbell
Shannon Portillo
July 27, 2016
I was Alicia's Home Care Aide and I must say that this was the one and only family that I had the pleasure to be around. I'd like to say that I have a good friendship with the family. Alicia was a very sweet and caring person all around. We had the greatest conversations at breakfast time. My thoughts and prayers to the family. Thank you for all your kindness and hospitality I will always remember.
Bart Pense
July 27, 2016
Deepest condolences to the Ray family. I know what a bright light Alicia was to so many people. She knew how to brighten any room. Her passing is a loss to the educational and artistic community. Heart-felt blessings to your entire family. Yours, Bart Pense
Jackie & Kylé-Ann Bobo
July 27, 2016
My daughter and I want to send our deepest condolences to Mrs. Ray's family. She had her in 7th grade and absolutely loved her. I know that there are times when teaching can be frustrating, but she was one of the best. She left a significant impression on the both of us. Our prayers are with her family, and thank you for sharing such a wonderful lady with us.
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8201 Greenback Ln, Fair Oaks, CA 95628
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