The New Era - All about Sweet Home since 1929

Helen Louise Ray, 89, of Crawfordsville, passed away Nov. 25, 2021, in Lebanon.

Helen was born in Oakridge on Oct. 24, 1932, to James Fields of Oregon and Ethel (Moore) Fields of Montana. Her mother passed away when she was very young, and she spent much of her childhood living with various relatives.

On Sept. 4, 1950, Helen married Cletus “Joe” Ray in Reno, Nev. They eventually settled in Crawfordsville, where they raised their family and spent their lives together.

While Helen lived in Lebanon the last few years of her life, she always considered Crawfordsville her home.

Helen was a devoted wife, loving mother, and caring grandmother, who will be missed. Helen is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law: Cathy and Lyle Haney of Sweet Home, and Jan and Vince Lowen of Lebanon; her grandsons, Steven Haney of Crawfordsville and David Haney of Salem; her great-grandchildren, Roxanne and Joseph Haney of Corvallis; and her brother, Terry Fields and sister-in-law Debra Mode of Lebanon.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and other brothers and sisters.

A private burial will be held at Crawfordsville Union Cemetery. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.