Margie Ray

Margie Ray, Grand Forks, died Sunday, September 12, 2021 at Valley Senior Living on Columbia in Grand Forks.

Margie May Ray was born on May 29, 1928 in Britton, South Dakota, the eighth of nine children born to Sigurd E. and Martha O. Olsen. She grew up and attended school in Forman, North Dakota. Her family then moved to Fargo, where she attended Fargo Central High School, participating as a cheerleader and basketball player. She attended the University of North Dakota, during which time she met her husband, Paul E. Ray. They were married for 57 years.

Paul and Margie farmed in Brenna Township in Grand Forks County. Margie spent many years cooking for farm laborers. For several years, she worked as a bailiff for District Court. She enjoyed her friends over the years, flower gardening, traveling, UND Basketball, oil painting, and her favorite lifelong activity, reading.

Naturally quiet, she possessed great charm and wit. One could always rely on her for her common sense, her strength of character, her style, and her innate kindness. She was a wonderful example to her family.

Survivors include her children (all from the Grand Forks area): Paula Ray, Jennifer (David) Burkland, Margaret Ray (David Fischer), and Daniel Ray; her grandchildren: Paul Ralston, Erik (Karen) Little, Dalton Little (Anna Peterson), Caroline (Lee) DeKrey, Emily (Evan) Montgomery, and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, her brothers, Maynard, Reo, Wayne, Lloyd, Lyle, and Carl, and her sisters, Doris and Cleo. Also preceding her in death were her mother and father-in-law, Harry and Anna Ray, her sister-in-law Anna Jane Hanson, and her brother-in-law, David Ray.

Memorial Service:  2:30 pm on Friday, September 17, 2021, at Amundson Funeral Home with Rev. Sam Wellumson officiating. There will be visitation one hour prior to the service. Margie’s family has requested those in attendance wear face masks. 

Burial:  Memorial Park North Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.