Ray Edward Thompson

Ray Edward Thompson, of Ivins, Utah passed away Friday, May 27, 2022. He was 90 years old. Ray was born December 16, 1931, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Leo Edward and Ada Fern Thompson. He was their only child.
Ray married Glenna Burnham on September 11, 1952, in Salt Lake City, Utah. They were married between Ray’s junior and senior year of college. Throughout their 66 years of marriage, Glenna was a strong support for her husband, and they enjoyed traveling together.
Ray graduated with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Utah. His first job after graduation was in China Lake, California working for the U.S. Navy. The family moved several times for Ray’s employment. The highlight of his career was working for NASA. Ray worked for the U.S. Government for 27 years and 7 months. After he retired from the government, he worked for the University of Colorado for 14 years.
Ray and Glenna had four children, two girls and two boys. Ray provided many opportunities for them. There were family vacations, trips to the beach, visits to amusements parks, and swimming, piano, and tennis lessons. Education was important to him and he encouraged his children and grandchildren to get a good education. He was interested in their activities, employment, and successes.
Ray had fun playing tennis and ping pong and, when he got older, pickle ball. He always played to win.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ray served in many callings. He appreciated the opportunity to teach the youth, be a narrator for special programs, serve in a bishopric, and on the high council. On occasion he had the opportunity to speak in church and that was something he enjoyed. Ray and Glenna served five senior missions together and had some great experiences which Ray liked to share with others, repeatedly.
Ray leaves behind his four children, Kathryn T. Smith, Eileen T. Nybo, Russell E. Thompson, and Bruce E. Thompson, 15 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.
After many lonely days, Ray is reunited with his wife Glenna.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, June 18, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Center Street Chapel, 15 N. Main Street, Ivins, Utah. There will be a viewing prior to the service from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Interment will take place in the Ivins City Cemetery.
We wish to thank those who have shown love and support to our family. We are grateful for friends and neighbors who have served and touched Ray’s life in so many ways.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454. Friends and family are invited to sign Ray Thompson’s online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com