Deep Gap, NC- Mrs. Barbara Hash Ray, age 78, of Deep Gap, died Wednesday, September 24, 2025, in Forest Ridge Assisted Living in West Jefferson.  Born August 7, 1947, in Ashe County, she was a daughter of the late Bruce and Irene Walker Hash and wife of the late Gary Len Ray, Sr.

Other than her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by a son, Gary Len Ray, Jr.

Mrs. Ray was a member of Laurel Springs Baptist Church.  She was a graduate of Beaver Creek High School and had worked at A&P in West Jefferson and J.C. Penny in Boone.

Mrs. Ray is survived by her son, Benjamin "Ben" Ray of Deep Gap; Sister, Janet McClure of Pikeville, KY; Sister-in-law, Susan Clements and husband James of Bartow, FL; Brother-in-law, Joe Ray and wife Pam of Deep Gap and an uncle, Frank Walker and wife Shirley of Jefferson.

Funeral Services will be conducted 2:00 PM Sunday, September 28, 2025 at Laurel Springs Baptist church with Reverend Andy Watson officiating.   Burial will follow in the Laurel Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Saturday from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Hampton Funeral Service.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to the Deep Gap Fire Department, 6583 Old US Highway 421-South, Deep Gap, NC 28618.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Forest Ridge Assisted Living and Memory Care for their loving care.

Online condolences may be sent to the Ray Family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral Service of Boone is in charge of the arrangements.