Ray Lopez

Ray C. Lopez, of Verde Lee and a United States Army veteran, entered eternal rest Friday, June 17, 2022, at his residence with his wife, Kathy, at his side. He was 71.

Ray was born in Solomon, Arizona, on July 1, 1950, to Antonio and Inocenta Lopez. He married his wife, Kathryn Phillips Lopez, on June 17, 2000. Ray worked for Phelps Dodge and retired in 2006 as a shovel operator. He enjoyed music, dancing, cooking and fishing.

Ray served his country in the United States Army. He served over 9 years, with his last overseas service being in Italy.

Ray is survived by: his wife, Kathy Lopez; his daughter, Tammy Driver (Scott Driver); his brother, Bobby Lopez (Rose Lopez); his nephew, Robert Lopez Jr.; his step-daughters, Dechael Sauls (Harvey Sauls), Ambrea Merino (Raymond Merino) and Corina Reyes (Nick Reyes); his grandchildren, Bryan Adams (Callie Adams), Jessica Adams (Zach Hammonds), Brittany Horning (Drew Horning), Kenzo Lopez, Maranda Driver, Esperanza Sauls, Jose Sauls, Samuel Sauls, Elias Sauls, Miranda Malvido, Tajma Malvido, Anthony Gurtler, Mialma Reyes and Santos Reyes; his great-grandkids, Ashby Lee Adams, Chase Hammonds, Makayla Driver, Karmen Beasley, Khloe Hall and Mateo Benicio.

Ray was predeceased by: his parents, Antonio and Inocenta Lopez; his son, Ray Lopez; and his brother, Tony Lopez.

Funeral services for Ray will be conducted Saturday, July 2, 2022, at 3:00 p.m., at Vining Funeral Home's "Chapel of the Valley." Military honors will be conferred by the Gila Valley Veterans Honor Guard.

Family will receive friends Saturday, July 2, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., at the Vining Funeral Home.

A gathering and luncheon has been scheduled for 4:00 p.m., at the VFW located at 3481 W. 8th Street, Thatcher, AZ 85552.