Ray Wools

Ray Duane Wools of Moran KS, formerly of Kincaid, Kansas, passed away on August 10, 2025.

Ray was born on February 22, 1939, to Wayne and Sylvia (Thompson) Wools, the third of thirteen children, near Bush City at his grandma and grandpa Wools farm. As a child he lived around Bush City, Selma, Cottonwood Falls, Yates Center. He had polio as a child and spent several months in the hospital without seeing any family for most of that time.

Ray was united in marriage to Grace Marie Sinclair on February 22, 1963. This union was blessed with two children, Glen Wayne Wools and Portia Marie Murphy.

At the age of 17, he hitchhiked to Arizona with his older brother, Larry, in search of work. That trip left a lasting impression, and throughout his life he never passed up the opportunity to offer a ride to a hitchhiker-even on his honeymoon.

A dedicated and hardworking man, he held many jobs over the years, including working wheat harvests, construction, roofing, bridge building, grain elevator construction, tree trimming, and cutting hedge posts. He also served in the National Guard.

He found his lifelong trade as a union carpenter, working with pride and skill until his retirement at the age of 62. Retirement didn't slow him down; he went on to work in the roofing business alongside his daughter and son-in-law until the age of 70.

He cherished his family and found joy in spending time on the farm, raising cattle, tending his garden, and planting flowers. He especially loved the thrill of a good bargain and could often be found at yard sales, auctions, estate sales-any sale that caught his eye.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, two brothers, Larry and Ward, three brother in-laws and his only Granddaughter Mitia Marie.

Ray is survived by his wife of 62 years; children, Glen Wayne Wools and Portia Marie Murphy; grandchildren, Christian Clyde Murphy and Jodie Ray Murphy, Todd Ray Wools, Thomas Hill Wools, Michael Wayne Stewart and Allen Leon Wools; great-grandchildren, Zadie Hill Wools, Loretta Raye Murphy will be here in January and ten siblings.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. at Midpoint Baptist Church, Moran, Kansas. Ray's family will greet friends Thursday, August 14, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at The Venue, Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US HWY 54, Iola, Kansas. Memorial contributions are suggested to Midpoint Baptist Church, Moran, Kansas and can be left in the care of the funeral home. Condolences for the family can be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.