Euray Bethers

RAY (EuRay) BETHERS

Born into humble beginnings, Ray did not let that stop him from building an amazing legacy for himself. His life began on February 19, 1932, when he was born at home in Daniel, Utah, to Ernestine Jacklin and Henry Lyman Bethers. He was the second child of five and the oldest son. Growing up in rural Heber Valley afforded him many opportunities to discover and explore his passions and talents.

Everyone who ever met Ray knew he had a passion for trucks. His passion for trucking began at a very young age. He spent most of his summer days riding in the cab of a family friend’s dump truck. They moved road grade between the Daniel Gravel Pit and jobs around Heber Valley.

Ray started working as a young boy and never stopped. At age 13, he started driving a dump truck delivering coal from a railroad spur into the Internment Camp near Topaz, Utah. He worked with his father and his brothers, Lorin and Dwaine. He has always been an example of hard work and dedication.

Ray attended school in Heber Valley and graduated from Wasatch High School in 1950. He formed many close friendships with classmates and others in the valley that lasted his entire lifetime. If he knew you, he considered you a friend and was fiercely loyal to all those he knew and loved.

After high school, Ray was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War. On October 14, 1952, he began his basic training in San Luis Obispo, California. He was chosen for Leadership School and continued his training in San Luis Obispo until early 1953 when a 17-day journey on a ship took him to Inchon, South Korea. He quickly earned the rank of Staff Sergeant and served through Oct. 2, 1954. He served with honor and distinction and was very proud of the opportunity he had to serve his country. He treasured the friendships he forged while serving in South Korea.

Upon arriving home, Ray decided to further his education at BYU in Provo, Utah. His intelligence and attention to details served him well as he pursued a degree in architecture. He was an extremely talented architectural student and taught many classes as an underclassman. His renderings were used as examples, many of them hanging in display cabinets years after his academic career ended. It was during this time that he perfected his beautiful writing style.

Going to BYU proved to be the best decision of Ray’s life, as he met Gloria Belle Russell, the “love of his life” and eternal companion. They were sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on June 5, 1957. After moving several times, they built a home and settled in Kamas, Utah. This is where they raised their six children, Russell, Laura, Christine, David, John and Daniel and spent the rest of their lives. They loved, supported and encouraged each other in all their endeavors.

With only a few classes remaining to graduate from BYU, Ray decided to start his own trucking company, and Ray Bethers Trucking was born. His passion for trucking could not be left behind. His company started in the logging and lumber industries. In 1971, Ray moved his business to Murray, Utah and began servicing manufacturing, fabrication and supply companies. He could be found in coveralls and welding gear during the workday and took an active role in guaranteeing his fleet was the safest, best looking and best performing on the road. His dark blue trucks are recognized all over the western highways and have been running over six decades. Ray developed hundreds of cherished friendships during this time of his life.

Ray was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in the ward Sunday School and Young Men’s Presidencies, the Ward Bishopric and as a Stake High Counselor. He enjoyed working with, serving and ministering

to other church members. He was a dedicated and thoughtful servant.

Ray was fun to be around and had an infectious personality. He loved to tell a good joke, always had a smile on his face and time for a conversation no matter how busy he was. He was generous with all he had and loved bringing a smile to others he met along the way. His concern for others, unshakable loyalty and friendship will be missed and cherished by all who knew him.

He taught his children to work hard, always be kind and generous, look for the positive things in life and never give up. He faithfully supported his kids’ dreams and ambitions. He was very dedicated to his family and made sure they had everything they needed to pursue their dreams.

Gloria passed away in March 2021. Ray missed her terribly and often talked about her. He talked about how she was the most beautiful and intelligent woman in the world. He joined her early Wednesday morning, November 2, 2022. His optimism, love for life and resilience are a great example to all those who loved him. We are so grateful he was generally pain-free and was able to enjoy good health during most of his life. We are so thankful for the legacy he left us and will always remember his example of kindness and generosity.

Ray is preceded in death by his wife, Gloria, brother, Lorin, and sister, Velma. He is survived by his children: Russell (Sherri) Bethers, Laura Preece, Christine (Patrick) Smith, David (Jennie) Bethers, John (Aileen) Bethers, and Daniel (Kirsten) Bethers, sister-in-law, Marilyn (Lorin) Bethers, brother, Dwaine, sister, Ruth (Ray) Dunbar. He leaves behind 26 Grandchildren and 20 Great-Grandchildren who loved and adored their Papa Ray, Pappy, Grandpa Ray.

In lieu of flowers, please pass on Ray’s spirit of generosity by unexpectedly buying a meal for someone or making time for a conversation with a loved one or a newfound friend. Pass on his

legacy of making others feel loved, special and seen. We would like to recognize Spring Gardens and appreciate their kind and caring staff. We are also grateful for Audrey and those she works with who provided Dad comfort and security as he moved on to his next journey.

Funeral services will be held in the Kamas, Utah LDS Chapel Saturday, November 12 at 11:00 a.m. A “viewing” will be held in Ray’s honor Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the chapel.