Marland G. Ray

RAY, Marland G. (Age 73) - Did it his way, and went to the big guy in heaven on Friday, October 29, 2010 passing on from cardiac arrest. Marland was born on June 24, 1937 in Elmo, Missouri to Lodell and Thelma Ray. He went through grade school and high school in Elmo, graduating in 1955. Marland went to college in Ames, Iowa for one year, transferring back to Northwest Missouri State College at Maryville, Missouri, graduating in 1959. He began teaching school in the Cherry Creek School District, CO in the fall of 1959 and continued to teach until the mid 60's, later to become a turf farmer. Marland was married to Suellyn Joyce Cannon in 1958 and to this union five sons were born: Randi, Christopher, Stanford, Victor and Michael. Their marriage later ended in divorce. He and Glenda Haack became life-long partners in 1976 and moved to Spokane in 1978 establishing their home. Marland established Ray Turf Farms which he opened in 1977 in Spokane. In 1988, he went into ranching raising the beautiful buffalo. Visitation will be held on Thursday and Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the funeral home. Services are planned for Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 1:00 PM at RIPLINGER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 4305 N. DIVISION, SPOKANE, WA. Memorials in his memory may be made to Western Bison Association Jr. Judging or a memorial of one's choice. Friends are invited to the family home after services for a celebration of Marland's life.