Elma Lou Ray, age 78, an Atoka, OK resident, was born on Tuesday, November 5, 1935, to Vernon and Myrtie (Adair) Byrum, at Ninnekah, OK. Elma passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2013 at Sherman, TX. She graduated from Atoka High School in1953 and attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Elma was a homemaker and was involved in the ranching operation. She married Thomas Ralph "Tinker" Ray on November 26, 1954 at the First Baptist Church in Atoka, OK. Elma was a longtime member and former Sunday School teacher at Wards Chapel Baptist Church. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed painting and camping. Elma is survived by her husband, Thomas "Tinker" Ray of Atoka, OK.; children, David Ray and wife Janet of Tushka, OK., Valerie Ray of Redmond, WA., Beverly Ray Cochran and husband Scott of Atoka, OK.; siblings, Erma Dean Tankersley of Atoka, OK., Joyce Fern Connelly of Artesia, NM., Vernon Dale Byrum of Stigler, OK.; grandchildren, Julie Ray Self and husband Phillip of Apple Valley, CA., Carli Ray Gaines and husband Will of Oklahoma City, OK., Jeff Ray and wife Courtney of Atoka, OK., Dillon Scott Cochran of Atoka, OK., Dustin Ray Cochran of Atoka, OK.; great grandchildren, David Austin, William Elijah, Jackson Oliver, and Jedidiah Thomas Self all of Apple Valley, CA.; sisters-in-law, Carol Ray and Sue Hilton; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Elma was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Myrtie (Adair) Byrum. ****************************************************************************** DATE OF SERVICES: 10:00 AM Monday, December 30th, 2013 PLACE OF SERVICES: Wards Chapel Baptist Church, Atoka, Oklahoma OFFICIATING: Bro. Tom Hargrave & Jeff Ray INTERMENT: Wards Chapel Cemetery, Atoka, Oklahoma CASKETBEARERS: David Brinkley, Bob Wyrick, Chuck Byars, Ronnie Cochran, Pat Loftis, Bill Corbin HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: 45th Military Police Reunion Association In Lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to CARRUS Specialty Hospital, 1810 U.S. 82 West, Sherman TX 75092, St. Judes Children's Hospital, the Gideon's, any charity that you wish in her memory. Condolences may be sent to: Tinker Ray 660 W. Hwy 7 Atoka OK 74525 or TinkerRay@yahoo.com FAMILY NIGHT SUNDAY 6-8 SERVICES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF BROWN'S FUNERAL SERVICE - ATOKA, OK