Luella "Lu" May Ray

LuElla “Lu” Ray, 94, a longtime resident of Great Falls, passed away peacefully at Benefis Hospital on Wednesday, July 27, 2022.

Lu was born on April 27, 1928, near Kenmare, North Dakota to Phillip and Loretta Munch. She was raised there and graduated from Kenmare High School.  She then attended a local business school where she obtained her bookkeeping skills. Lu then moved to Great Falls, where she met William F. Covely. They were married in Kenmare, North Dakota on July 11, 1954, and returned to Great Falls after a honeymoon in Alaska. They had 5 children together. They divorced in July of 1971.

Lu was a devoted member of the Catholic church and attended St Joe’s, and then St Luke’s, (Corpus Cristi), parishes. She was active in programs that offered assistance to others in need, and faithfully lived her life based on her strong beliefs.

On February 8, 1974, Lu married Jack D. Ray of Great Falls. They were members of the Elks Club and enjoyed traveling, dancing, golfing, bowling, playing cards, and going to the horse races. Jack passed away in 1997 with Lu by his side.

Lu had an extensive career working as a bookkeeper for Houseman’s Inc, Great Falls Housing Authority, and numerous small businesses. She was a master at card playing and enjoyed a good game of pinochle, canasta, poker, and May-I. She also played competitive Bridge for many years. She enjoyed her time gardening, sewing, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. She was a true care giver to everyone she met and never knew a stranger. She always had a smile, a full cookie jar, and a home cooked meal to share with anyone! She maintained a happy demeanor right up to her last breath. She never complained and had a genuine heart to help anyone in need. She was loved and adored by all who knew her and was a true example of a strong woman of God.

Lu is survived by her son, Kurt Covely of Great Falls; daughter, Jill (Jim) Corey of Allyn, WA; daughter, Lynn Revels of Great Falls, and daughter, Janet (Blue) Corneliusen of Great Falls. Grandchildren, Shannon Bray of Lynwood, WA, Jessica Bray of Palmer, AK, Sam (Breanna) Bartell of Palmer, AK, Alexa (Daniel) Covely of Portland, OR, Joe (Heather) Corey of Port Orchard, WA, Jerrod (Kari) Corey of Port Orchard, WA, and Jamie (Jeremy) Nelson of Port Orchard, WA; sister-in-law, Maureen Munch; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Lu was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, daughter, Darci Covely, great granddaughter Kaelyn Bray, Brothers: Joe, Jack, Jerry and Jim. Sisters: LaVera and LaVonn.

Lu’s family would like to extend a heartfelt, and sincere, thank you to both the Beehive and Benefis Hospital. We are eternally grateful to the staff for the affectionate and empathetic care that you so lovingly extended to our Mom.

A funeral liturgy will be held at 10:00 on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 410 22 ^nd Ave NE. Interment to follow immediately after at Mount Olivet Cemetery.