Marcella Frances Wray

September 14, 1923 - April 4, 2018

Marcella Frances Wray passed away on April 4, 2018 at Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita at the age of 94 years, 6 months and 21 days. Her passing was unexpected, but quickly and quietly with her son by her side. Frances, as she was known, was born at Fairview, MO on September 14, 1923 to Sigal Ryan and Florence (Montgomery) Ivie. She is survived by a son, Ed and wife Nancy Wray of Valley Center, KS, and daughters Mary Beth and husband Glenn Shoemaker of Hutchinson, KS and Marla and husband Vic Braden of Lawrence, KS. Eight grandchildren, Jason, Brad and Tanner Wray, Megan (Wray) Voitenko, Kelly (Shoemaker) Thompson, Jenny (Shoemaker) Miller, Chelsea (Braden) Rubin and Emily (Braden) Kelly and ten great grandchildren. Also surviving is sister-in-law Alice Wray. Preceding her in death were her much beloved husband Clyde, who passed on October 28, 2009, her parent’s, a brother Joe Ivie and wife Mary Catherine, a sister Marjorie and her husband Wilbert Wolf, and a brother-in-law Alvin J. Wray. Lastly, a son Mark and great grandson Cade, both under tragic circumstances. On June 7,1942 she married Clyde Wm. Wray, also at Fairview, MO. Thereafter, he returned with his young bride to his home near Sawyer, Pratt County, KS. They never left. They shared 67 years of marriage and embraced the farming way of life. They were a great example of “opposites attract”-Clyde reserved and quiet and Frances outgoing and never meeting a stranger. On the farm she constantly ran errands, helped move trucks in harvest, transported the kids to school and school events and at night to sporting events. Being very social, she enjoyed the Sew-N-Sews ladies group after the children had all left home. Frances was a longtime member of the Pratt Church of Christ, being baptized alongside Clyde on July 21, 1968 She worked tirelessly in the Church on many tasks, sang beautifully, made communion bread, served Church dinners and anything else that needed doing. Circumstances required her move fifteen years ago to Valley Center, KS so she and Clyde could be cared for. Although she was distraught at leaving the Sawyer area at the time, she reconciled herself with the move and became in time extremely grateful. Unfortunately Clyde had to spend the last three years of his life in a nearby nursing home but Frances was transported there daily and then returned back home at night until he passed away. The staff there continually remarked how dedicated she was as nobody else came daily and spent the day in the room with their loved one. Thru it all, she never forgot her beloved Sawyer or her deep roots in Southwest Missouri. Mom had just sat down to enjoy for her daily morning cup of coffee when she received the call from her eternal home…………... Visitation will be Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family receiving friends Sunday from 4-5 at Larrison Mortuary, 300 Country Club Road, Pratt. Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 9, 2018 at Ellenwood Cemetery, Sawyer with John Hamm presiding. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer Association in care of Larrison Mortuary.