Orville Ray Fretheim

O. Ray Fretheim

December 18, 1933 ~ June 28, 2022 

On Tuesday, June 28, 2022, Ray Fretheim, loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed at home at age 88.

Ray was born in 1933 in Sandpoint, ID, to Willard and Isabelle Fretheim.  He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Oregon, and also served as a sergeant in the Marines. Ray spent the bulk of his career driving tankers, based out of Eugene, Oregon, and later Portland, and then retired to Madras, Oregon with his beloved wife Betty and her huge, wonderful clan of Rufeners that came with the package!  Ray and Betty were able to do lots of traveling, including trips to Mexico with friends, a trip of a lifetime to Europe with his kids, many RV adventures, camping trips with family, church camp outs and fishing trips with church buddies.

He was devoted to family and did almost everything for and with them. They enjoyed many outdoor pursuits over the years, including hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, water skiing, and snow skiing.  He and Betty also loved spending time with their friends from the Metolius Friends Community Church.  Ray enjoyed reading, watching sports, working the daily crossword puzzle, visiting people, learning new things, and was always willing to pitch in to help others. 

Ray is survived by his wife, Betty,  daughter, Robin of Vancouver, WA, son, Marty of Bennett, CO, granddaughter Angela Hannaford of Madras, and great granddaughter Charley Rae of Madras.   He was preceded in death by his parents and by his daughter and son-in-law, Melinda and Marty Hannaford, of Madras.  He will be missed greatly, and will live forever in many hearts.

The family would like to thank Partners in Care for all their care and love for Ray and his family.  A special thanks to Barbara Shores and Debbie Ftoelting of Interim Home Care.

Contributions can be made to Partners in Care or the Oregon Talking Book & Braille Library.

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