Raymond Clayden Ewings

Raymond Clayden Ewings, who taught intermediate grades in the Renton School District for 30 years, died October 30 in Seattle with family by his side. Ray was born in Tacoma on July 18, 1927. He was the second of Alfred and Dorothy Olson Ewings’ seven children. He spent his elementary years at Visitation School in Tacoma and graduated from St. Martin’s High School, Lacey.In the U.S. Navy, he served in the Pacific during World War II and during the Korean Conflict. Between and following military duties, Ray earned degrees in Sociology from St. Martin’s University, Lacey, in 1950 and in Education from Seattle University in 1957.Ray married Marge Forshag in 1964 and they raised three children, residing in Kent, then in Burien. In addition to being a devoted husband and father, he was a dedicated teacher. He also enjoyed coaching assignments in baseball and basketball, and was particularly proud of his basketball teams at Henry Ford School. This passion for sports was based on Ray’s considerable baseball talents displayed playing at St. Martin’s University. Off the field later in life, he was an enthusiastic fan of amateur and professional sports.Ray is survived by Marge, his wife for 45 years, as well as daughters Judy Ewings, Yakima; and Maria Ewings M.D., Boise, ID; one brother Albert, Seattle, and one sister Veronica Von Rozsa, Sunnyvale, CA.He is preceded in death by his son Mark; brothers Bernard and Patrick and sisters Therese Bachmeier and Mary Helbling.Funeral Mass will be Saturday, November 14, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Frances of Assisi Church, 15216 21st SW, Burien WA 98166 (206) 242-4575.The family asks that memorial gifts be made in Ray’s name to Sea Mar Community Care Center, 1040 S. Henderson, Seattle, WA 98108, in support of their many services.