Ray Humpherys

Ray was born in Afton, Wyoming on September 12th, 1951 and grew up in Etna which are both in the beautiful Star Valley. He was the seventh of nine living children of Dean and Neva Clark Humpherys. He became lost on a family backpacking trip and was found July 24, 2018 after a massive search of the Hidden Lake area in the Uinta Mountains. Ray was raised on a farm learning the value of hard work. From this, Ray could fix anything in the most ingenious ways and he would never give up until it was fixed. His family, backpacking, family reunions, teaching P.E. to his elementary students, the Utah Jazz, BYU sports and serving in his church were his passions. Ray married Becky Jones on August 22, 1975 and they became the parents of five children and grandparents of soon to be seventeen adorable grandchildren. He loved holding them and being playful with him. They loved playing the same games over and over again. On their swing set he would let them play “kick grandpa in the bum-be-do.” After they kicked him he would stagger forward like they had given him a swift kick in the pants. He would moan like it hurt and they would laugh and laugh but he enjoyed it so much that he’d let the next child do it. When it was time for them to go home and they were in their cars they couldn’t leave without being able to blow him back away from the car. He would stagger backwards like it was a big whirl wind. He would let them do this several times and then they could pull away from the house as happy grandchildren. Ray and his brothers-in-law, Mike and Scott, started the annual family backpacking trip in 1989. He never missed one for all thirty years. He’s shared his passion with his daughters, son and grandchildren. There was rarely a week that went by when he didn’t call his brothers and sisters to get an update on their lives. He was always looking forward to seeing them for their annual family reunions. Ray worked as an elementary and P.E. teacher for over forty years. He enjoyed his co-workers who quickly became life-long friends. He loved his students. They loved him back because he made them feel important which gave them self-confidence. He even has kept in touch with many of his former students throughout the years. Ray was a faithful member of the LDS Church and shared his love of the Gospel with everyone through his friendliness and willingness to serve them. He served an LDS mission to Pennsylvania and diligently fulfilled callings in the church throughout his life. He was a Scout Master many times over many years and was able to share his knowledge and love for the outdoors with the scouts. He enjoyed serving as a temple worker at the Jordan River Temple. He is survived by his wife, Becky, and children Lisa, Michelle (Ben), Stephanie (Drew), Melanie (Elliot) and Ryan (Natalie) and their children along with his siblings Nadean, Sharon, Ken (Myrna), Florence (Larry), Gerald (Tena) and Newell (Sally), their children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers; Gordon, John (Jan), and Robert (Marisela). His family would like to thank all those who searched for him and all the service others have given. They have felt the immense love that they have for Ray and his family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given on the “Pray for Ray” Facebook page Go Fund Me account to support the Garret Bardsley Foundation. Viewings will be held Sunday, July 29 from 6:00-8:00 PM and Monday, July 30 from 10:30-11:30 AM. Funeral services will be on Monday, July 30 at 12:00 PM. All services will be at the LDS stake center 2450 West 10400 South.

Ray Humpherys

September 12, 1951 - July 24, 2018