Ray Martin Western

Ray Martin Western, age 89, passed away on August 11, 2026 in Plain City, Utah. He was born on July 24, 1937 in Salt Lake City, the eldest of the eight children of Owen Alfonso and Luella Smith Western. He grew up in Deseret, Utah.

He met his cherished wife, Fayetta Payne, while serving in the Great Lakes Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He married her shortly after they both returned from the mission, in the Cardston Alberta Temple. They had recently celebrated 66 years of marriage. Ray helped to raise 10 children and many neighbor kids as well.

Ray always had a joke to tell, to anyone. Whether he knew you or you were a complete stranger, you were going to hear a joke. This brought a smile to many a person. You could call them “dad jokes” or “bad jokes.” (What is the same about a cat in the desert and Christmas? They have Sandy Claws!) Always clean, and always making you chuckle. He also enjoyed his marble magic—walking up to a stranger, young or old, and making a marble magically appear in their ear. He also showed off with quarters as well. And don’t forget his pen twisting game. He was always there to make you smile and brighten your day.Ray was an active member of the LDS Church, always doing what he could to share his testimony and love of the Savior. He served in many callings, but loved helping the scouts and the scouting program the most. He served 5 missions – 4 with his wife Fayetta at his side.

Ray was a “Fix-it Man” and also talented in many ways. He was a welder, carpenter, farmer, mechanic, joker, head gate maker, and story & poem writer. If you needed something fixed, he did it. Never complained, never said no to helping someone in need. And he never charged enough for his services, sometimes charging just “a handshake and a smile.

’Ray got his start working at Brush Wellman. Then was a tractor mechanic for Lovell’s Inc. He then he worked at IPSC as a maintenance man (or glorified grease monkey) until he retired. After retirement he did odd jobs for neighbors, and served LDS missions with his wife. He also blossomed as a poem writer. During this time he wrote over 450 poems. Ray would hand out copies to anyone he encountered, whether at church, at a restaurant, doctor’s office, airport or even a gas station. From Ray, these strangers always got a poem and a joke. Ray would say, “If I can make their day a little brighter, I will try.”

Ray is survived by his wife: Fayetta; his children: Gene (Darlene) David (Julie), Ryan (Betty), DeAnn (Tom), Mark, Richard (Angela), Kristine (Frankilin), and Erik (Shirley); 31 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son: Michael; daughter: Kim, his parents, and a brother.

Ray will be greatly missed by his wife and children, his family members and his many friends and neighbors. His “works” can be seen all around the community and will be a reminder of his service forever.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 22, at 11:00 am, at the Deseret-Oasis LDS Chapel, 3423 West 4500 South, Delta. A Viewing will be held at the church, 9:30-10:40 am, prior to the service. Those unable to attend in person may view the recorded video of the service. The link will be posted with his obituary at www.nicklemortuary.com following the conclusion of the service. Burial in the Deseret Cemetery.

The family thanks Active Hospice Care and Sunflower Assisted Living for the excellent care and support provided to him and Fayetta.