RAY BRUMBAUGH

I.B. Ray Brumbaugh passed away in Chico on February 7, 2023. Ray was born September 28, 1929 in Chino, California, where his family had a dairy and grew field crops.

During his sophomore year in high school, his family moved to Glendora, California, where his father operated a citrus grove. Ray had a love for cars, buying his first car - a Model T Ford - for $10 when he was 14, and taking three periods of auto shop his senior year. After high school, he did various jobs including trucking alfalfa to dairies and hauling black top (asphalt), and farming citrus.

In 1951, Ray married his sweetheart Evelyn Weigold. They had five children and were married for 67 years.

In 1963 Ray & Evelyn moved to the Chico area, hauling their belongings and farm equipment on the back of a 41 Chevy flatbed truck, with a loaded box trailer behind. Over the years Ray farmed in Butte, Glenn and Tehama counties, including beans, oat & alfalfa hay, wheat, barley, and sugar beets; then over the years he planted his farms to walnut and almond orchards. The whole family was involved on the family farm – a wonderful upbringing for his children.

Ray had a love for the outdoors, and the family enjoyed many outings, including water skiing, camping, and hiking. One particularly fond memory was in 1974, when the entire family took 7 weeks traveling across the United States. Ray’s faith in Jesus Christ was central in his life, and the life of his family. It was reflected in his character, his love for others and his outlook on life. Over the years Ray and Evelyn were active in church, and in their later years they attended the Evangelical Free Church in Chico.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn and his daughter Lois. He is survived by his children Juanita, Marilyn, Norma and Paul; 15 grandchildren; 22 greatgrandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 25 at 3:00 PM at Newton Bracewell Funeral Home in Chico (680 Camelia Way).