Alvin Ray Ensley, 70, a Hamilton, Washington area resident went home to be with the Lord, with his family at his side, on Friday, February 20, 2009 at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon.
Ray was born on April 5, 1938 in Cullowhee, North Carolina, the son of Alvin & Dessie Deitz Ensley.
He was raised and attended grade school in Cullowhee, North Carolina. The family made their home in both Cullowhee and Sedro-Woolley, Washington over the years until finally settling in Sedro-Woolley in the early 1950’s and Ray attended Sedro-Woolley High School where he was active on the wrestling team. He graduated with the class of 1956.
Ray later joined the U.S. Navy and worked as an electronic technician.
After his discharge Ray went on to work for the Washington State Department of Transportation in the Survey department. He was involved in building I-90 over Snoqualmie pass. He also worked for various other Engineering firms until retiring and purchasing a small ranch in Hamilton.
Ray will be remembered by all who knew him. He enjoyed country western dancing and was willing to help anyone who wanted to learn. He taught dance lessons around the Skagit Valley and as far south as Auburn, Washington. Ray also loved trail riding on his horses and couldn’t wait to get back in the saddle. He would love to bring his grandkids up to his property, teaching them the proper way to handle and ride his horses. Ray was a member of the Back Country Horsemen.
Ray is survived by his son, Garry Ensley and his wife, Cari and grandsons, Joshua and Jacob of Lynnwood, Washington. His brother, John Jay Ensley and his wife, Aldine and their children, Jozette and Jaydine of Sedro-Woolley, WA. His step-children, Annie Nersten of Lyman, Vicki VanDyke of Sedro-Woolley and Bobbi Gustafson of Mount Vernon. He was preceded in death by his parents, and infant siblings, Nannette and Willard. The family suggests memorials be made to the Back Country Horsemen of Washington, PO Box188, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Graveside Services will be held at Lyman Cemetery on Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 3:00 PM. Visitation will be available at Lemley Chapel on Tuesday & Wednesday from 9 AM to 5 PM and on Thursday from 9 AM to 1:30 PM.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.