Robert Ray

In Memory of Robert D. (Bob) Ray

Robert D. (Bob) Ray transitioned to eternal life on December 31, 2021.  He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dixie Ray, to whom he was a best friend, partner if life and loving support.  Bob was lovingly cared for at home by Dixie with the kind support from Ambercare Hospice.

Bob was born in Chicago on August 6, 1936.  He lived in Chicago for the first fifty years of his life.  He was preceded in death by his loving parents: father Joseph M. Ray and mother Mable Ray.  Bob lost his bother James Ray several years ago.

Bob received a Master of Arts in Social Sciences from the University of Chicago.  After graduation, Bob taught Social Sciences in Chicago City Colleges.  After that he had a long career in mental health at the Illinois State level and in U.S. Public Health Service.  In 1987, Bob accepted a position as Administrator of the first federally funded Area Health Education Center located in Las Vegas, New Mexico.  He lived in Las Vegas for the next twenty years with his wife Dixie.  Bob also worked as a therapist, administrator and consultant at the New Mexico Community Base Services in Las Vegas providing mental health clinical supervision.  In addition, he served as a graduate level instructor at Highland University in the field of counseling.  In 2008, Bob and Dixie moved to Santa Fe and Bob continued his interest in teaching at the Southwestern College.

On a personal level, Bob and Dixie were deeply involved in spiritual life, exploring both Eastern and Western spiritual teachings together.  They travelled several times to India and Burma and Thailand visiting spiritual centers and studying under the guidance of great masters in those countries.  They attended several meditation retreats and that experience brought a serenity to Bob’s life as he struggled through health issues last few years.  Bob was a compassionate person with a desire to share what he learned.  While in Chicago, Bob and Dixie founded the Chicago Meditation Center at their home and later formed the Southwest Center for Spiritual Living at their home in Las Vegas, offering instruction to aspiring students during Sunday Meditation Sessions.

Bob loved music, especially East Indian and Jazz.  His love for animals brought many cats who called his home theirs.

Cremation has already taken place.  Anyone wanting to leave a message is welcome to do so at riverafamilyfuneralhome.com