Ada Beverly Ray

September 12, 1969 — March 4, 2019

Ada Beverly Ray, 49, longtime resident of Whidbey Island, passed away peacefully from complications of cancerat Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, Wash. She was born to James and Helen Ray in Honolulu, Hawaii on Sept. 12, 1969.

When Ada was 5 years old, her parents, brother, George, and sister, Maylee, moved to Oak Harbor, accompanying Mr. Ray as he was in the U.S. Navy and his next duty station was to be NAS Whidbey Island.

She excelled in school and grew up with a few hobbies, entertaining herself immensely. Those that stand out were plasti-canvas and bowling (Ada made a habit of attending the Oak Bowl every Tuesday morning). Her real love was taking care of the Ray family’s farm animals. They had ducks, geese, chickens, etc. It was during her young adulthood she decided working with animals was what she wanted in a career.

Not long after her graduation from Oak Harbor High School, she started to work as a Veterinary Assistant for Vets Animal Hospital. She held that position for the next 25 years. Eventually, Ada moved on and went to work at Posh Puppies in 2018.

Three weeks ago, Ada went to the hospital because she was not feeling well. It was determined she had cancer. She passed away early in the morning on Monday, March 4.

Ada is survived by her mother, Helen, her father, James, her sister, Maylee, and a number of friends whom she also considered family. Preceding her in death is her brother, George. He passed away unexpectedly last year, almost a year to the day.

The Ray family suggests memorials in Ada’s name be made out to Whidbey Island Animal Foundation (WAIF) online at:https://waifanimals.org/donate/. If you would prefer to donate by mail, send donations to: WAIF, P.O. Box 1108, Coupeville, WA 98239. Memorials can also be made out to: American Cancer Society Washington online at: https://donate3.cancer.org/?lang=en.

A Celebration of Life, in Ada’s honor, will be held at the Oak Harbor Senior Center at 51 SE Jerome Street Sunday, March 17 at 3 p.m. All who knew Ada are welcome.

Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home, Oak Harbor.