Ray Leo Whitby
“Wiff”

-- 1921 ~ 2010 --

Ray Leo “Wiff” Whitby passed away Saturday August 14, 2010, in Mesa, Arizona, surrounded by those he loved. He was born January 19, 1921 at home in Alpine, Utah. He was the tenth of twelve children born to Thomas Alvin and Alice Cordelia Moyle Whitby and was proud of his rich pioneer heritage. He grew up among many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and considered them his best friends. He was raised on a farm where he learned the value of hard work and thrift. He roamed the low hills of Alpine hiking and hunting with his family and friends.

After being schooled in Alpine he joined the US Army Air Corps during World War II and was trained as a radio operator. His B-24 plane was shot down over northern Italy and he was taken as a prisoner of war. He escaped through enemy lines and returned to the United States to be numbered among the greatest generation. He was proud to have served his country.

He married Stella Margaret Bounous and raised four children; Anne Marlowe, Michael Ray, Jennifer (Jim) Bishop and Juanita (John) Nield. He made his living as a mink rancher in Idaho where he enjoyed working with his hands and could fix almost anything. He loved corn-on-the-cob, bread, maple nut ice cream and made a great pot of soup.

He retired in Mesa, Arizona where he was active in the East Valley POW Chapter.
He is preceded in death by his wife; his parents; his siblings: Stephen, Helen, Alice, Roy, Emma, Ivan, Glenn, Evelyn, May, George, and Beth; and a granddaughter.

He is survived by his sweetheart Dee “Hey, Spark!”, his four children, 17 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren with three on the way.

Ray loved people and all who knew him were cheered by his quick wit, positive outlook, generosity and endless store of jokes, tales and infectious laughter. Thanks for the legacy - we love you!

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 20, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in the Alpine 7th LDS Ward Chapel located at 890 North Main Street, Alpine, Utah. Family and friends may call Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Warenski Funeral Home, 1776 North 900 East, American Fork, Utah and an additional viewing at the church on Friday morning from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Alpine City Cemetery where full military honors will be provided.