Cynthia Awyn Ray

With profound love and cherished memories, we announce the passing of our beloved Nana, Cynthia Awyn Ray. As an inspiring mother, grandmother, and friend, Cindy left this world peacefully surrounded by family on May 11, 2025.

In 1938, Cindy was born in Detroit, Michigan, and graduated from Cooley High School in 1956. Cindy then married her first husband, Walter Morris, and lovingly raised three beautiful children. The family moved to California in 1974.  Later in life, she found her soulmate, Donald Ray, and together they shared many joyful years.

In 1990, Cindy and Don moved to Arizona and opened their Verde Valley lighting and advertising businesses. In 2003, Don’s health brought them back to California to be closer to family. After his passing, Cindy drew strength from the friendships she cultivated through clubs and community groups, including Master Gardeners and BCNN Women’s Club. She found new purpose and healing through connection, faith, and shared laughter. 

Cindy found joy in life’s simplest and richest pleasures: tending her garden, painting birdhouses, researching genealogy, writing her memoirs, and supporting her grandchildren at all their school and sporting events. We could always count on fresh baked cookies, our favorite sweets, and the best hot cocoa at Nana’s house. 

Cindy had a gift for making everyone feel like family. Many considered her their Nana, enriched by her kindness, wisdom, and comfort. Even after her health declined in the last few years of her life, Cindy lived with grace and found ways to make others smile. Her strength and resilience to be present for the important life moments will be always remembered. We take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace in the arms of the Lord and reunited with loved ones in eternal life.

She leaves behind her sister Thalia Scanlan (Jack), her four children, Cathy Edwards, Walter Morris II (Camille), Scott Morris (Leesa), and Kathryn Ray, and her four grandchildren Dawn Morris, Darlene Morris, Breanna Edwards, and Walter Morris III, as well as countless others touched by her generosity and loving spirit. Though we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life so beautifully lived and a love that will never be forgotten.

A memorial service will be held on June 20th at 10 a.m. at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Oxnard, followed by a burial at Conejo Mountain Funeral Home, Memorial Park & Crematory in Camarillo, and then a remembrance celebration at the Morris home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plant something in your garden or bake something sweet to enjoy with your loved ones.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cynthia Awyn Ray, please visit our floral store.