Ada Beverly Ray, 49, longtime resident of Whidbey Island, passed away peacefully from complications of cancer in Everett, Wash. at Providence Regional Medical Center.

She was born to James and Helen Ray in Honolulu, Hawaii on Friday, Sept. 12, 1969.

When Ada was 5 years old, her parents, brother George and sister Maylee moved to Oak Harbor, accompanying Mr. Ray as he was in the U.S. Navy and his next duty station was to be NAS Whidbey.

She excelled in school and grew up with a few hobbies entertaining herself immensely. Those that stand out were plasti-canvas and bowling (Ada made a habit of attending the Oak Bowl every Tuesday morning). Her real love was taking care of the Ray family’s farm animals. They had ducks, geese, chickens, etc. It was during her young adulthood she decided working with animals was what she wanted in a career.

Not long after her graduation from Oak Harbor High School, she started to work as a veterinary assistant for Vets Animal Hospital. She held that position for the next 25 years. Eventually, Ada moved on and went to work at Posh Puppies in 2018.

Three weeks ago, Ada went to the hospital because she was not feeling well. It was determined she had cancer. She passed away early in the morning on Monday, March 4, 2019.

Ada is survived by her mother Helen, her father James, her sister Maylee and a number of friends whom she also considered family. Preceding her in death was her brother George. He passed away unexpectedly last year almost a year to the day.

The Ray family suggests memorials in Ada’s name be made to Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation (WAIF) online at https://waifanimals.org/donate/

If you would prefer to donate by mail, send donations to: WAIF, P.O. Box 1108, Coupeville, WA 98239. Memorials may also be made out to American Cancer Society Washington online at https://donate3.cancer.org/?lang=en

A Celebration of Life in Ada’s honor will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, March 17 at Oak Harbor Senior Center at 51 S.E. Jerome St.

All who knew Ada are welcome.

Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home, Oak Harbor.