Kenneth Gene Ray, the son of Eugene (Gus) Ray and Clara Baloun Ray, was born February 20, 1936, and passed from this life Saturday, August 24, 2019, at the age 83 years, 6 months, 4 days ant his home in Belleville, Kansas.

Kenneth grew up on a farm near Chester, Nebraska, and graduated from Chester High School in 1954.

He worked for Foote Oil Company, Kravemore 81, he farmed, and was parts man for John Deere Implement, he worked The Republican Valley Feedlot near Scandia, and the Republic County Roads Department.

On June 17, 1956 at Belleville, Kansas, he was united in marriage to Kaye Parrack and to this union five children were born: Jamie, Cindy, Gene, Connie, and Jeffrey.

Kenneth will be forever remembered by his wife Kaye of their home; daughters Cindy Frye, Belleville and Connie Tallent (Tracy) of Starr, South Carolina, and son Gene Ray (Robin) of Kansas City, Kansas; seven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law Doug and JoAnn Parrack, Belleville. 

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents Gus and Clara Ray; two sons Jamie Gene Ray and Jeffery Allen; brother-in-law Gary Parrack.

Ken was happiest when he was farming, raising cattle and hogs near Munden. After retiring from the county roads department, he had a small acreage on the south side of Belleville, and raised quarter horses. He had a pet pig named  “Miss Ziffle” that followed him everywhere. He always enjoyed working in his large garden and spending time with family and friends.

Cremation was chosen, there will be no visitation. The family will greet friends at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home in Belleville on Thursday, September 12th, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 p.m. Memorial Services will be held on Friday, September 13th, at 11:00 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Belleville, with inurnment at the Chester (Nebraska) City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Golden Bell Haven, and can be sent in care of the funeral home. Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home assisted the Ray family with these arrangements.