Raymond Neil Gentz, 88, of Monroe, passed away at his home on Wednesday, June, 30, 2021.

Ray was born Jan. 11, 1933 in Iowa, City, Iowa to Raymond and Dorothy (Simons) Gentz.

On June 1, 1958 he married Shirley Adele Rittenhouse in Hoquiam, Washington. They spent 25 years together and had three children. They later divorced.

Ray spent 26 years in military service and was a veteran of Korea and Vietnam.

After retiring from the military he went to work at Weyerhaeuser in Aberdeen, Washington, and he and Shirley settled down in Montesano, Washington and raised their three children.

After 20 years at Weyerhaeuser he went to work for the state prison system as a correctional officer and moved to Monroe, Washington.

Ray is survived by his children Rori (Joe) Thein, Steve Gentz and Clint (Connie) Gentz; his grandchildren: Christopher, David, Alex, Heather, Jessica and Jacob; six great-grandchildren, brother Chip, and sisters: Sharon, Karen, Marlene and Elaine.

Ray was preceded in death by his former wife Shirley, granddaughter Breann Gentz, brothers: Tom, Loren, Herb and Russ; and sisters: Vicky and Brenda.

Ray will be laid to rest on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at 3 p.m. with military honors at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington.

Arrangements are by Purdy and Kerr Funeral Home in Monroe, Washington.