Ray Rose

Ray “Beefy” Rose, 57, died Aug. 29.

He was born Aug. 28, 1957, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and raised in the nearby town of Stigler, where he was a star running back in high school. In 1976 Ray married Annette Cagle and a beautiful daughter Loretta was born. Out of work in 1979, Ray moved to Eugene, Oregon to work in the lathe and plaster union. Ray married Lisa Montgomery in 1980. To this union a son Tyson was born. Ray made his way to Alaska in 1982, with family in tow, to make his living in the construction industry. Ray lived his life under the guidance of the Lord and was steered by hard work, athleticism and humor. The guidelines that drove his life would prove valuable as he made his mark in the construction of many iconic buildings in downtown Anchorage, Wasilla and many outlying bush locations throughout the state. Ray developed many interpersonal relationships in the carpenter’s union that entwined themselves into a symbolic family relationship. Ray was an avid fisherman and loved to barbeque. Ray was a self-taught musician who loved to share his music with friends, family and others. Ray’s children, grandchildren, family and friends were the pride and joy of his life.

Ray is survived by his wife, Lisa; daughter, Loretta Rose and son-in law, Shannon, of Petersburg, Virginia; son, Tyson and daughter-in-law, Alesha, of Jacksonville, Florida; grandchildren, Aedyn and Corbin of Florida; brother, Donald Rose and wife, Rosemary; sisters, Lydia Gatlin and husband, Gary, and Diane Sheives and husband, Jim, all of Oklahoma; brother, David Wright; sister, Carlene Merrell and husband, Larry, of California; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral mass is at 10 a.m., Sept. 6, at the Our Lady of The Lake Catholic Church on South Big Lake Road in Big Lake.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to music charities that mentor youth and military veterans or to charities that mentor the trade skills.

Valley Funeral Home, Wasilla Chapel, is caring for arrangements.