Ray was born June 17, 1940 in Spokane, Wash. to H. Raymond and Irma Ida Mabee. He was raised in Spokane, as well. At the age of 19 he met the love of his life, Fern Elaine Barrett; they married on Aug. 5, 1960 and together they raised three children.

Ray went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 11, 2009, at his home in Wofford Heights after a very brief illness, with his wife, Fern, and his children, Raymond John Mabee, Jr. of Wofford Heights, Calif., Suzanne Elaine Awedisean of Lancaster and Isabella Highlands, Calif., and Dianna Marie Monroe of Palmdale, Calif., at his side. Ray is also survived by his most loving daughter-in-law and son-in-law, Kymn D. Mabee and George K. Awedisean and father-in-law, Neal O. Barrett. Lest we also not forget his faithful canine companions, Murphi and Lollipop.

Ray worked hard all his life as a painting contractor and made many friends in the process, both in Washington and California, where they moved when their children were small. In 2006 he and Fern moved to Wofford Heights from Anaheim to fulfill a dream they had since the 80s, when they spent every weekend possible enjoying Isabella Lake and fun with their children and later their grandchildren. Ray’s greatest joy, besides his children, was the seven grandchildren he was blessed with: Tristin Annelaine Mabee, Andrew Taylor Awedisean, Bradly Sullivan Awedisean, Raymond John Mabee III, Nicholas John Monroe, Kristofer Scott Mabee and Preston Spencer Awedisean. He was preceded in death by his parents, H. Raymond and Irma Ida Mabee, his sister Karen Ida Mabee, and his mother-in-law Ellen Barrett. He will be remembered by all as a kind, loving, funny and hardworking man. We will miss him, but hold his memory in our hearts for the rest of our lives. The Lord is my light and salvation; whom do I fear? The Lord is my life’s refuge; of whom am I afraid? Psalm 27:1