Edith E. Wray

Edith Evelyn Wray, 75, died November 12, 2025, in Luray, Kansas, following a brief illness.

Known as Evie to friends, she was born on August 7, 1950, to Milton and Bessie Wray in Reno, Nevada. She was raised in Hutchinson and Manhattan, Kansas, and graduated from Manhattan High School in 1968. Evie attended Kansas State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities in 1991 and a Master of Science in Family and Human Services in 1996. Evie was deeply mindful of others and attentive to those in her community who might need food or financial support. She didn’t like to see people going without. She shared what she had and encouraged others to do the same. She disliked seeing things go to waste and was known for rescuing fruit from local trees—asking permission to harvest it, then using it herself or sharing it with those who needed or would appreciate it. There was always a bag of library books in Evie’s house. She was an avid reader and a regular patron of several local libraries.

A lifelong learner, she enjoyed asking questions, sharing viewpoints, and debating ideas. She was also a prolific painter who drew inspiration from nature. She worked with watercolors, crayons, pens, acrylic paint, house paint, glitter—anything she could get her hands on to make art. She often used the walls and ceilings of her home as a canvas. Her work was shown in several exhibitions in recent years. Gardening was another important outlet for Evie. She grew vegetables and flowers not only for harvest, but to support pollinators, feed birds, and replenish the soil. She regularly swapped seeds, plants, and produce with friends and neighbors. Her love of growing things extended to the many houseplants she carefully tended.

Evie is survived by her daughter, Tara Melrod (Josh), of Vermont; two grandsons, and five siblings.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at The Community Church of Luray. A reception will follow, where friends are invited to share memories of Evie and view her artwork. Memorials may be made to The Luray Public Library, Box 292, Luray, KS 67649.