Raymond Ewell

Raymond "Ray" Ewell graduated from this life on the morning of October 3, 2016.  He earned 93 years of mortal experience and is now "together again" with the love of his life Florence McGrath.

 Ray was born August 10, 1923 to Purmitt S. Ewell and Ethel J. Savage in Payson Utah.  Purmitt and Ethel decided it was “cheaper by the dozen” so Ray was the 11th of 12 children.  His father passed away in 1927, leaving his mother to raise and care for the family through the great depression.  Ray told stories of him and his brother Clifford catching carp with “rubber rockets” they had made, then standing on State Street to sell them to help support the family through this time.  The family didn’t complain about their circumstances; they just did what had to be done to support the family. That is why Ray only completed the 8th grade, but he never stopped his love of learning. On May 24th 1946 Ray completed the requirements for his high school diploma, and for a time taught night school.

Ray and Florence started their courtship with a hamburger. He said “I have enough money for a cab ride home or a hamburger and we could walk.” They started walking together from that point on. On September 28, 1942 in Salt Lake City, they were married. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan Utah, Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That union produced 4 wonderful children, 14 incredible grandchildren, and 11 amazing great grandchildren.

Ray was a master craftsman in the building trades. His abilities where limitless on what he could create with wood, iron, metal and concrete. He remodeled multiple homes. He and Florence built their own family cabin from the ground up. One year he decided he wanted a dune buggy, so he made one, again from the wheels up! Regardless of the project Ray was working on he was always whistling a tune or singing a melody of song. He loved to sing and had a rich baritone voice, he was always singing in church. At 92 years of age, he sang a beautiful arrangement at a grand-daughter’s wedding. He loved to express himself through song, which brought him and others great joy.  He also had a great passion for hunting and fishing and loved going with family.

Ray was a Private First Class in the United States Marine Corps; he served his country with pride. He served in WWII in the Pacific area January 2nd 1944 to May 24th 1945.  When he was honorably discharged, he went back home to Salt Lake City and was hired on at the Rio Grande Railroad as a sheet metal worker and pipe fitter.  On June 23, 1950 he was granted the designation of Journeyman in his trade. He worked for the Rio Grande Railroad for 10 years and then went on to work 32 years at Union Pacific Railroad where he retired with honor.  Ray also work a second job most of his life, he was always doing something.

The family wishes to express gratitude to the health nursing aides at Harmony health.  Thank you to Corrine, Ginger and Rudy for the exceptional care they provided for Ray.

Ray was an example of a life lived rich and full of joy.  He will be remembered as a happy, loving, and generous brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.  WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU!

The funeral will be held Saturday, October 8 at 11:00 a.m. at the Olympus 3rd ward (West building), 4100 S Camille St. Holladay, UT 84124 with a viewing preceding the service from 9:30 to 10:30. Interment will be in the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery with military honors. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family online at HolbrookMortuary.com