Elsie Ray, resident of Grande Prairie, formerly of Beaverlodge, passed away on Sunday, August 14, 2016, in Grande Prairie, at the age of 98 years.

Elsie was born east of Grande Prairie at Glen Leslie where her family homesteaded. In 1936 she moved to Beaverlodge for work. It was there she met and married James “Bob” Ray. In 1940 she moved to Vancouver Island where she worked for Bowing Aircraft. She married Bob in a double wedding with Alex and Thelma Ray in Nanaimo, BC on September 12, 1942. Later they settled in Beaverlodge, spending the next 20 years raising two boys on a farm.

Elsie worked in the Beaverlodge Hospital as a Nurse’s Aide for 20 years. In 1998 Bob passed away and in 1999 Elsie moved into Amisk Court where she enjoyed socializing and helping other residents. In 2008 Elsie moved to Grande Prairie where she resided at Heritage Lodge and then more recently Points West Living.

Elsie loved helping people both young and old. She had a sense of humour and was meticulous about everything she did. Elsie enjoyed knitting, crocheting and bingo and she loved dancing, and gardening.

She will be sadly missed by her children: Lyle (Noreen) and Barry (Kathleen); grandchildren: Jim, Tanya, Sean and Robert; great-grandchildren: Jarrod, Ethan, Mya, Emily and Adam.

She was predeceased by her husband Bob Ray; sisters: Edna Flohr and Violet Griffiths; brothers: Don Olson and Gordon Olson; and daughter in-law Patricia Ray.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to all staff who gave exceptional care for Elsie at Heritage Lodge and Points West Living.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 19, 2016 at 11:00am at Oliver's Funeral Home in Grande Prairie (10005 107 Ave.). A luncheon will follow. All are welcome.

Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer Society of Alberta and NWT (102, 9823 116 Ave, Grande Prairie. AB, T8V 4B4).