Raymond H. “Ray” Reeder, longtime Pendleton resident, died on June 19, 2023 at home in Hermiston at the age of 86.
He was born on July 25, 1936 in Pendleton to Herbert and Vernita Molstrom Reeder.
Ray was raised and attended school in Pendleton, graduating from Pendleton High School in the class of 1954. He attended the University of Oregon and later Eastern Oregon Community College, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education. He taught school for a few years before returning to the Reeder family farm to help take care of his aging parents and assist with farming. This ultimately led to a passion for agriculture. Ray retired from farming four years ago at the age of 82.
He enjoyed hunting, yard sales, paleontology, cooking and sharing recipes with others. Ray enjoyed beadwork, and one of the headbands he created was worn by the Happy Canyon princess during the Pendleton Round-up for multiple years.
He is survived by his sister, Joanne Kosmos; brother, Donald Reeder; nieces, Joanna Marikos and Shelbi Janku; nephews, Demetrios, Matthew and Steven; and several great nieces, great nephews and cousins.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services were held on Friday, June 23, 2023.
Those who wish may make contributions in Ray’s memory to the Vange John Memorial Hospice education fund.
Please share memories of Ray with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
