Carol Kelley Ray, 89, of Laguna Woods, California, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025, in Mission Viejo, California.

Carol was born on December 7, 1935, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the late Charles and Virginia Kelley. She grew up in the Pittsburgh suburbs with her siblings, Gloria and Charles Jr.

At the age of 17, Carol eloped to Maryland to marry Ronald E. Ray. Their marriage began in 1952 and flourished for 50 years until Ronald's passing in 2003. Together, they built a life centered around family, raising two children and later welcoming grandchildren into their lives.

Carol worked for the telephone company as an operator but stepped away from work to dedicate herself to raising her children. In 1962, Carol and Ronald moved their young family to California, where they settled in Tustin and raised their children. Once her youngest child reached high school, Carol returned to the workforce as an administrator in Community Development for the City of Irvine, California where she later retired after more than 25 years.

Carol's greatest joy came from her family. She was proud of raising two successful children and cherished time spent with them and her grandchildren. The early loss of her beloved husband was her greatest sorrow, but her life remained defined by her devotion to family.

Carol is survived by her children, Ronald E. Ray Jr. of Geneva, Illinois, and Sherri L. Severino of Mission Viejo, California; her grandchildren, Ryan Severino and wife Lindsay Severino, Rachel Severino, and Carter Ray. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald, her parents, and her siblings.