Raymond F. Ukura

October 10, 1933 - November 12, 2017

Raymond F. Ukura left us November 12, 2017. He was born October 10, 1933 to Fred and Ella Ukura in Crosby, Minnesota. He married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Renecker Ukura, on March 18, 1953. Ruth and Ray fell to the charms of the Pacific Northwest and moved to Seattle in the late 50's. Ray finished college at the University of Washington and took his first teaching position in Chehalis, Washington. He spent most of his career in the Highline school district in Seattle as a biology teacher. He was loved by his students who called him "Cool Hand Uke." After retirement, they traveled in their motor home before settling in Yuma, Arizona in 2002. Ray substitute taught at the high schools in Yuma. He enjoyed the interaction with young people and passing on his tales of life. Ray was a gregarious, joke loving man who could make many friends in a room full of strangers. We had a lifetime of his love with those wonderful memories to comfort us. Survived by his wife of 64 years, Ruth Renecker Ukura; daughters, Rebecca Ukura Hathaway (Joseph) of Pocatello, Idaho and Roberta “Bobbi” Ukura (Chuck Nordquist) of Yuma, Arizona; his sister, Norma Ukura (Don Fowser) of Nordland, Washington. No services, per his request. Donations in memory of Ray may be made to Audubon Society, Hospice of Yuma, Humane Society of Yuma or Yuma Catholic High School.