Ray Watts

February 7, 1949 – December 29, 2025

Ray was born in the territory of Hawaii to Clarence “Benny” and Lucille Erwin Watts. He spent his childhood traveling the world courtesy of his father’s Army career. Eventually settling in Sumner, WA, he graduated from Sumner High School and later Central Washington College. A stickler for details and with an eye for quality, he worked as a four-color print press operator for most of his career. 

In 1985, he was swept up in a whirlwind romance with Moira Witmer, and began what would be a 40-year marriage filled with joy, courage, and compassion. Together, they had two children: Kathleen (Ethan) Schwaber and Patrick (Patricia) Watts. His greatest joy was being “Gramps” to six grandchildren: Caleb Reid, Emma, Laura, Caleb William, Sullivan, and Riley. He is also survived by his siblings Roger Watts and June Watts; and many nieces and nephews. 

He leaves his family a legacy of a fiercely strong work ethic, properly seasoned food, obsessive lawn care practices, and always doing crossword puzzles in pen.”Even after all this time the sun never says to the earth, ‘You owe me.’ Look what happens with a love like that. It lights the whole sky.” – Hafiz