Edna Wray

Edna May (Burnett) Wray, 92, of Marion, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 4th, 2024, at 8:12 p.m. She was born at home on June 10th, 1932, to the late Myrle A. and Norma (Riley) Burnett. Edna was born and raised in Marion, where she attended school until the 10th grade. After finishing 10th grade Edna met the love of her life James W. (Shotgun) Wray. James and Edna married on September 13th, 1950. They had 18 beautiful years together and 4 children before he was called home to be with the lord. 

After James and Edna married, they spent a lot of their time doing what they loved, traveling to West Virginia to ride horses in the hills, visit the lakes and spend time with James’s family.

When James passed away Edna found herself leaving the title of homemaker behind. She provided her cleaning services to various locations in Marion, but her job at Hughes Studio was quite possibly her favorite. 

 However, if you asked Edna, she would surely say that her favorite title would have been; homemaker. She dedicated her life to raising her children and being present in her grandchildren lives (all 11 of them). She always hosted Sunday dinners. Edna loved to cook. She was always sure to have a hearty meal that consisted of meat, starch, fruit, and veggie with pudding or Jello on the side. 

Edna was also always hosting card nights, birthdays, and holidays (EVERYONE was invited). During the holiday season Edna loved to bake especially with her grandchildren.

Later in life after her children and grandchildren were grown Edna enjoyed traveling back to West Virginia to see the mountains and lakes. It brought back many memories for her. She also enjoyed feeding the squirrels and watching the deer graze. Perhaps her most favorite things to do the second half of her life was spend time with Steve, Deb and Don (and grandkids) antiquing, going to the flea markets, movies and shows. Edna will be missed greatly by all her family, friends and acquaintances. 

Including her parents and husband James W, Edna was also preceded in death by her sister Mary E. Harper and her grandson James Lee Wray. Additionally, her brothers-in-law, Dick Harper, Gene Schwarderer, and John Endicott, and special friend, Robert Brown also passed away. Edna’s beloved dogs, Fifi and Bridget, also preceded her in death.

Edna is survived by her sisters, Roberta Schwarderer and Patricia Endicott, as well as her children Donna L. Wasserbeck of KY, Steven L. Wray, Deb L. (Wray) Claypool, and Donald E. Wray, all of Marion. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Jim Cornett, Laura (Scotty) Shehan, Kimberly Wray, Jeremy (Janice) Claypool, Angela Claypool, Kandy (Derick) Ross, Jonathan Wray, Donald W. Wray, Dustin Wray, and Halee Wray, as well as her great-grandchildren. Her great-grandchildren include Nishyah Wray, Hannah (James) Zeisler, Noah Claypool, Alexis Coleman, Quinton Adkins, Derick Ross Jr, Kamrynn Ross, Jacob Shehan, Jordan Shehan, Khloe Ross, Ariana Wray, Sarah Claypool, Dontae Ross, Jace Claypool, and Blake Wray, along with her great-great grandson Emmett Zeisler.  Edna is also survived by many nieces and nephews (whom she loved dearly). Special family members including Paula (Herriott) Wray, Jay Waddle, Robin Wasson, Al Claypool, and Patty (Hart) Wray. 

Edna’s family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Marion General Hospital, Legacy Marion, and OhioHealth hospice for the compassionate care they provided to our beloved mom/granny.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Edwards Funeral Service, Hughes-Allen Chapel, located at 318 Mount Vernon Avenue, Marion, OH, from 11A.M. to 1P.M. The funeral service held by Edna’s nephew, Donnie Akers, will follow at 1 P.M., with burial at Marion Cemetery.