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RAY ANDERSON Obituary
October 19, 2016
Ray Anderson, age 63, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 19th, 2016.
He was born in Sedro- Woolley, WA on May 25th, 1953, the son of Charles Robert Anderson and Sylvia Cordelia Dills.
He was the youngest of 11, born into a large family of Tarheels. His brothers and sisters always joked that their parents kept trying until they finally got it right.
He dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to Sears, Roebuck & Co., at various stores in different management positions. If you weren't lucky enough to know him personally, you probably knew somebody that did.
While working at the Mount Vernon store, he met the love of his life, Deborah Sue Strid. They were married shortly thereafter, and had two children, Jennifer and Blair, who he loved to spoil rotten. When Jennifer added grandsons Nate, Nick and Noah to the picture, "Papa's" life was complete. There was nothing he would rather do than be with his family.
Recently retired, he was always looking for new things to keep him busy: Trips to Las Vegas with his beloved Debbie Sue and their best friend Linda; watching his grandsons (and their friends) play sports for Marysville; reunions with his Sears friends; working and volunteering with the Marysville School District; talking on the phone with his daughter every single day; drinking coffee and playing Scrabble with family.
An avid animal person, he loved his "granddog" Rascal, his two recently adopted kittens Emma and Luna, and any other animal that he ever saw.
Just this month, Ray and Debbie celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary. He was so proud of the family he built, especially Nate, Nick, and Noah. Their Grandpa Ray lived his life in a way that we can all be proud of - he did it right.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Margie Mae (O'Dell) Guffie, and his best friend growing up, niece Gloria Guffie.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah; daughter, Jennifer (Joel); son, Blair (Michelle); grandsons, Nathaniel Lee Carlton, Nicholas Patrick, Noah Benjamin; sisters, Rebecca Mudgett, Alice (Roy) Frizzell, Joann (Keith) Gardinier, Mary (Ron) Sego, Gayle (Dave) Ashbach, brothers, Charles Kenneth (Jean), Robert (Cheerie), Ted (Marlene), John (Janine) and many more cousins, family, Sears family and friends too numerous to list.
A private graveside service will be held Wednesday, October 26th, 2016 at 10AM, at Marysville Cemetery; with a public memorial following at 11AM, at Cascade Christian Reformed Church, 13908 51st Ave. NE, Marysville.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for RAY ANDERSON
Val Larson
October 28, 2016
Debbie and family, my thoughts and prayers are with u! Ray was an incredible man who loved his family! RIP my friend.
October 28, 2016
To the family, I'm so sorry for the loss of your love one, may the loving support of your family, friends and prayers sustain you through this very difficult time. 2nd.Corinthians 1:3.!
Janell Sherwood
October 27, 2016
My granddaughters and I are very sad to hear of our sweet friend passing away. We enjoyed seeing him at the school lunches during the summer. He spoiled us often with his kind words, hugs and sometimes a popsicle. We will miss him, and love him. Akayla, Shayla, Emersynn and Janell
Don & Jody Gjesdahl
October 27, 2016
Don & I are so sorry for your loss. Ray was part of why our soccer days with the boys was so enjoyable. He was a special person who will be greatly missed.
With our deepest sympathy,
The Gjesdahl's
Ken and Carol Bruhn
October 27, 2016
Debbie, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
Ray was a valuable friend and colleague. Truly a nice man.
Les and Lois Stahley
October 26, 2016
How bittersweet it is to hear that Ray moved from his earthly home to his mansion with the Lord! Sounds like he was very supportive of his grand kids sporting events. He learned well how to provide that support when we played soccer, and was there to cheer for all of us with the other husbands!
We pray for strength and wisdom for you and your family as you begin a different walk. Dwell on your great memories, and gain comfort in the words of Psalm 121.
Philip Queen
October 25, 2016
I attended school with Ray from Junior High through High School! Ray was one of the finest fellows I ever met. He always had a smile or grin or something good to say! I know he will be greatly missed..
October 25, 2016
Dear Debbie and Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. I hope all the lovely memories and your love for each other will carry you through this tough time. ~ CinDee Herndon
Linda Lundberg
October 24, 2016
My thoughts & prayers are with all Ray's family & friends. May your Faith, Family, Friends, & Many Happy Memories help you in the days to come. You have a Very Special Guardian Angel looking down on you 24/7. Ray was a school mate of mine at C.H.S. He was always smiling & so nice to visit with. Heavens gain, our lose!!Take Care, I Care. R.I.P. Ray!!
Chuck & Rose Seaburg
October 24, 2016
Deb, so sorry to hear about Ray. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Julie and Dan Murphy
October 24, 2016
I was so saddened to hear of your loss. I wish we could have gotten to know Ray better. He sounded like a very very special man and touched so many lives. What a remarkable life! Michelle absolutely loved him! The love and support from your family and friends is amazing. My heart goes out to your family and I'm sending you prayers and thoughts of peace and courage in the days to follow. God Bless!
Linda Taylor
October 23, 2016
RIP my dear friend. I will miss you.
Lora Kuntz
October 23, 2016
To the entire Anderson family, my heart is breaking for you for the loss of an amazing man. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and hoping happy memories ease the depth of the pain. What this earth has lost, the heavens have gained. RIP, Ray and love to your entire family.
Shirley Baron
October 23, 2016
To All of Ray's Family
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We remember all the good times visiting when we were kids. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May all the good memories help carry you through this difficult time.
Gary and Shirley Baron
Phil and Elizabeth Mitchell
And All the Anderson Family
Sue O'Brien
October 23, 2016
Debbie and family, what a beautiful tribute to Ray. So sorry for your loss. Rest in Peace Ray.
Dixie Perry
October 23, 2016
I remember Ray from Sears we used to call him the BEV after Leave it to Beaver. I am so sorry to read of his passing my heart goes out to you Debbie and all the family he loved so dearly. May the grace of God be with you all during this trying time. Again I am in shock and so sorry for your loss.
Connie Johnson
October 23, 2016
Debbie, I am so sorry for your loss.
Sarah Devereux
October 23, 2016
Our deepest sympathies Debbie and Family. You are all on our hearts. Ray was such an incredible example of what a husband, father and grandfather should be. What wonderful memories I have of him watching and cheering on his grandsons (the loves of his life) at countless sporting events over the years. Praying for you, Jen, Blair and the whole family. May the love and support of family and friends surround you during this time. Love, The Devereux Family
carla wagner
October 23, 2016
I am so very sorry, Debbie. Ray was a wonderful man. I was so shocked that he left so suddenly. You are in our thoughts and prayers and I know that you will have lots of support from all of your family and friends.
October 23, 2016
Sincere condolences to the family, When we lose those we love, the pain and grief can seem unbearable, But, Trust in the God of comfort, he will make you strong and give you peace at this difficult time. Numbers 6:26
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