Raymond “Ray” Petersen, 89, passed away Dec. 15, surrounded by loved ones.

Ray was born Feb. 4, 1928, in South Dakota. He was the only child of Raymond and Doris Petersen. He moved to Harney County at the age of 3 and graduated from Burns Union High School in 1946. Ray enjoyed a longtime career as a postman. In 1999, he married the love of his life, Ova Smith. Ray and Ova enjoyed 18 years of blissful marriage, and they were often described as “still in their honeymoon phase.” Ray was an avid dog lover, a man of strong faith, and a Christian.

Ray is survived by his wife, Ova; four stepchildren, Bob Smith and family, Barb Presley and family, Sandy McVay and family, and Rick Smith and family; as well as 20 stepgrandchildren, and nine great-stepgrandchildren.

He will be remembered as a kind and gentle man.