Betty died June 24, 2021 "after a very courageous and optimistic battle with cancer."
Beloved wife, mother, “nama,” sister, and friend, Betty Jean Whyte Ray (70) passed away peacefully Thursday, June 24, 2021, in Pine Canyon, Utah, after a very courageous and optimistic battle with cancer. Betty was born March 4, 1951, to Luella Bell Hair and Andrew Whyte Jr. in Salt Lake City. She graduated from Highland High School in 1969 and later attended a nursing program where she met her eternal companion, Bill Andrew Ray, at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints seminary event. They later married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1972. A devoted member of the LDS church, Betty held many church callings throughout her life and loved to immerse herself in family history. Betty and Bill served in the Salt Lake City Temple for nearly 16 years. She was a very young and energetic 70-year-old who usually had a glowing smile, beautiful and kind blue eyes, and advice to offer. A very proud grandmother, Betty loved spending time with her seven grandchildren. When not with her family, she was constantly on the go with a side business that she wanted to share with others, and planning or looking forward to her next trip or cruise.
Betty is survived by her husband of almost 49 years, Bill A. Ray; children Rebecca Bench (Shane), David, and Brent (Emily); grandchildren Fayeth, Kylee, Benson, London, Nevaeh, Declan and Asher; and siblings Stephen Whyte (Peggy) and Peggy Robbins (Dave). She was preceded in death by her son Robert.
A viewing will be held Thursday, July 1, 2021, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the LDS Ward House, 2032 Churchwood Dr, Tooele, Utah. A private and immediate family viewing will be held at 9:30 a.m., Friday, July 2, 2021, followed by funeral services at 10 a.m. Visit Betty’s Funeral on Facebook to watch a live stream of the services. Interment will follow at the Tooele City Cemetery, 361 S. 100 East, Tooele, Utah.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local food bank.
Orson Madsen
Betty was always a True Ram, terrific soul 24-7.Going to miss those Blue Eyes!
Kayleen Daniels (English)
Sending love and prayers to your family. You truly will be missed. Until we meet again. Love you 💗Mike K. Richards
It saddens me to hear we've lost another classmate and friend. She made the most of a wonderful life, and made the lives around her better and happier. My sincere condolences to her family, friends and loved ones.Greg Whiting
Betty was always the most kind person I had ever met... Always had a smile on her face and a happy, satisfied attitude. She will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know her. RIP Betty.
Rick Sutter
For death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity.
So don't be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before we all can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or a lifetime, is certain for those who are good friends. Betty was a wonderful person and her friendship will be missed, until we meet again. . . Our deepest condolences, Rick & Marilyn Sutter
Julie Ann Oblad (Barron)
My first memories of Betty go back to Hillside Junior High 7th grade. We both tried out for a chance to sing with the Utah Symphony in a children's choir for Mahler's 7th symphony. What a great experience! I remember seeing Betty sitting in the Tabernacle choir seats doing her math homework! I think we were both ahead of our time!
Linda Adams (DeVore)
I remember Betty from Hillside Jr. High and onward to Highland. She was always a great friend. At our 50th reunion, I enjoyed our conversation together and where our lives had taken us. She was a special friend.