Ray Schenk

Elden Ray Schenk of Hooper, Utah passed away on May 9, 2023 after enduring multiple health issues.

Ray was born September 8, 1944 to Elden Fred Schenk and Vada C. Bennett in Preston, Idaho. Shortly after his birth, his father was killed in action in the Battle of Okinawa. Because of this, he spent many happy days at his grandma and grandpa Schenk’s farm in Preston. When he was three, his mother Vada married Elvin Larson who lovingly raised him and his older sister Nadiene. They were later joined by a sister Marie (died at birth) and two brothers, Steve and Brent. Ray had great affection for his siblings and enjoyed spending time with them in work and play.

After attending schools in Cache Valley and moving to Ogden, Utah, he graduated from Weber High School and attended Weber State College.

While in Ogden, he met Tamra Peterson on a blind date and knew she was the one for him. They were married on September 10, 1964 in the Salt Lake Temple. They enjoyed 58 years together. They have three children: Judy (Rex) Hunter of Wasilla, Alaska; Janet (Alan) Kendrick of Hooper, Utah; and Mike (Valarie) Schenk of Roy, Utah. Additionally, they welcomed foster daughter Quanna Woody into the family, who stayed with them for three years.

They made their home in Hooper, Utah where they raised their children. Ray was a lifelong active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Hooper First and Park Wards where he loved serving in the High Priest Group leadership and had many dear friends there.

Ray was always a hard worker. Starting in his youth in Logan, Utah, he helped to support his family by working in their apple orchard, and as a hired hand at neighboring farms. After moving to Ogden, he worked at Roylance Dairy. He later took a job as a mechanic. He finished his career at Hill Air Force Base, retiring there after over 30 years. Some of his closest friends were coworkers at Hill.

Ray loved entertaining and spending time with family. His backyard barbecues were legendary. A primary highlight was his beautifully kept yard with a lush lawn suitable for bare feet. Secondly, the children delighted in the right of passage and opportunity to drive the infamous “putt-putt”.

He loved fast and fancy cars and anything with wheels. From this passion, he built many cool and unusual transportation toys to the delight of his children and grandchildren. He was resourceful and, whether for necessity or pleasure, he could build or fix whatever the situation required. He was the Hooper “authority” on sandpoint wells, helping lots of neighbors with their projects.

Travel was a favorite pastime. He loved introducing his children and grandchildren to Disneyland and delighted in every trip. Cruises were another favorite where he could see the world and sit on the deck and look at the ocean. Vacations were a great way for him to spend time with loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents, his wife’s parents, his sisters Nadiene and Marie, and grandson, Steven. He is survived by his wife; his two brothers Steven (Andrea) Larson of Hyde Park, Utah and Brent (Janet) Larson of Goodyear, Arizona; his three children; one foster daughter; eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren with one on the way.

There will be a viewing at the Roy Myers Mortuary Sunday, May 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 15, 11 a.m. at the Hooper First Ward chapel at 5601 South 6100 West, preceded by a viewing from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Interment will be at the Hooper City Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses at McKay Dee Hospital and the Roy and Weber County paramedic squads for their devoted and compassionate service.

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