Jose (Ray) Ocana

Jose R. (Ray) Ocana

Jose R. (Ray) Ocana, age 92, passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at Fairfield Village Assisted Living in Layton, UT from cause’s incident to age and Parkinson’s disease.  He was born in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, the son of Pedro and Ferminina Martinez Ocana.

He was a maintenance man for the Anchorage housing, volunteer fireman for Clearfield City and retired from Civil Service.  He was a veteran of World War II.  He was drafted into the U.S. Army in April 1944 fighting in Germany with Company L, 141st Infantry Regiment.  His unit was captured in December 1944 and taken to Prague, Czechoslovakia where he was prisoner of war for six months.

After the war, he fell in love with and married Effie Mary Martinez on May 26, 1947 in Monte Vista, Colorado.  Shortly thereafter, they moved to Clearfield, UT for a short period of time, then to Syracuse, UT.  They were married for 52 years.  They enjoyed many years being snowbirds in Yuma, Arizona.  She passed away in February 28, 1999.  Ray married Maria (LaLa) Chacon in 2002.  She passed away on June 20, 2017.

Ray was a dedicated member of the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Layton.  He served as a Eucharistic minister for many years, and as an active member of the 3rd & 4th Degree of the Knights of Columbus.  Ray was a perfect example of how a Christian man should live.  He loved God, his family, his church and the military.  He loved to meet and greet people where ever he went.  He was strong in his belief in family and friends.  He loved to attend his family reunions for many years.  He was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer, who achieved a hole in one.

Ray is survived by his four children, Ronald (Barbara) Ocana, Isabel (Joe) Trujillo, Danny Ocana, and Andrew (Mercedes) Ocana; 14 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his three sisters; Bernie Padilla, Eginia Archuleta, and Sally (Benny) Valdez.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Moises and his sister Trini.

The family would like to thank the staff of Sunrise Assisted Living in Sandy, UT and the staff of Fairfield  Assisted  Living in Layton, UT for the care and love shown to our father.  We as a family are very appreciative of Brighton Hospice and their staff caring for our dad in his final days.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 21, 2017, at 10 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 210 South Chapel Street, Layton, Utah.  Friends may visit with family Sunday, August 20, 2017 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd.  A vigil with Rosary will be held at 7:30 p.m.  Interment, Syracuse Cemetery, 1250 S. 1000 W., where military honors will be accorded.