Dawn Marie O'Connell Ray

Dawn Marie O’Connell Ray, a loving mother “Momma Bear”, grandmother “Nanny”, wife, and friend passed away on March 15, 2026, surrounded by her three daughters, who were the greatest joy of her life.

She was born in New Jersey and had a great love for the beach. She often stated that she had, “beach sand in her blood.” She was the very best “Momma” to her three daughter and an even better “Nanny” to her grandbabies.

Dawn was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a great love of Jesus and her scriptures. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Dawn is survived by her husband, Herbert “Butch” Ray; daughters, Lauren (David) Johnston, Jessica (Christopher) McKay, and Kaitlyn (Keith) Barney; grandchildren, Nicholas, Jacob, Tyler, Andrew, Christopher, Jailynn, Savannah, Jeremiah, Remmye, and Harper; and great-grandchild, Liam.

She was preceded in death by her loving grandmother, “Big Nanny”, and her very best friend in the world, and now in heaven, Thomas Vaughn.

In accordance with her wishes, Dawn will be cremated and no formal services will be held.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.