Cecilia "Shelly" Ray, 65, of Wichita Kansas passed away on October 14, 2023, in Wichita. She was born on July 6, 1958, in Wichita Kansas to the late Cecil A. Morris Jr. and Patricia Riley Morris.

Shelly was a dedicated mother and wife who felt most comforted when surrounded by her family.  Along with her husband, Artice Ray, of forty-five years, she raised her children in a stable loving household with values based on her faith in God.  Her faith made her a person of strong moral conviction and it was the foundation of who she was. Shelly would do whatever she could for her children because of the abundance of love she had for them. She was their comfort and security. She truly cherished her role as a mother, and her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She was also a loving and loyal sister to her brother and only sibling Ray Morris.

Shelly attended Carter Elementary School and Brooks Middle School for her primary education and later graduated from Heights High School. She spent the majority of her career as an assistant manager at Dillons Grocery stores and she held manager positions at various retail stores.  She was a person with a great work ethic who was an example for her children.

In her free time, Shelly pursued various hobbies. She had a passion for painting and was known for her artistic talent. In her younger years, she enjoyed dancing. Shelly also loved watching old-time TV shows and detective or suspenseful movies. She had a deep appreciation for music and enjoyed singing. Above all, she loved spending time with her friends and family and creating lasting memories.

Shelly is survived by her spouse Artice D. Ray and their children Katrice Z. Ray, Gina M. McCoy, Marcus A. Ray, Danielle S. Cruz, and Dr. Shannon M. Ray. She was a loving grandmother to Adrienne Z. McGairty, Xavier T. McGairty, Tyra E. McGairty, Cortez V. McCoy Jr, Jordan M. McCoy, G'Cora A. McCoy, Neveah A. Ray, Islah J. Ray, Guinevere E. Ray, Korinne L. Ray, Makoah A. Ray, Yasmine S. Cruz, Gina Z. Cruz, Eddie J. Cruz, Isaiah I. Cruz, and Veritas J. Ray. Shelly was also a great-grandmother to Gabriel McGairty, Brooklynn Davis, and Roman McGairty. She is also survived by her brother Ray Morris, her sister-in-law Wanda Jean Morris, her brother-in-law Dwayne Ray, and her mother-in-law Auline Ray.

To honor and celebrate Shelly's life, a memorial service will be held at Jackson Mortuary located in Wichita, Kansas on October 20th.  She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her. May she rest in peace.