Ray Knudson

Raymond Gene Knudson, 85, longtime Kittitas Valley resident, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2024 at the KVH Hospital in Ellensburg following a brief illness. A private family gathering to honor his life will be held at a later date.

Ray was born on July 17, 1938 in Tacoma, Washington to Paul & Edna (Ellison) Davis. He spent his early years in the Tacoma area before moving to the Kittitas Valley in 1948 with his brother, mother, and step-father, Carl Knudson. He graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1957.

Ray’s sister-in-law suggested that he would find the best wife in Kittitas, and he did! He met Linda G. Hancock and they married on February 19, 1966 in Ellensburg. They made their home in Ellensburg until 1970 when hotel management would take them to Portland, Oregon, and it was in Portland where sons Derek and Jarad were born.

In 1982, the family moved back to Ellensburg where Ray and Linda owned the 7-11 store on 10th Avenue for a few years. After selling the store, Ray worked nearly 30 years for Time Oil, serving as a regional manager for the company’s Jackpot convenience stores throughout central Washington before his retirement.

Ray was an avid outdoorsman and loved camping and hiking around the local mountains. He and Linda also loved the many road trips they took together. In retirement, Ray also became an active member of Kittitas County Search & Rescue, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Ray is survived by his wife Linda Knudson; sons Derek Knudson and Jarad (Leslie Webb) Knudson; grandsons Cooper and Tucker; sisters-in-law Elizabeth (Butch) Berge and Remi Davis; brother-in-law John Cichowski ; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his father Paul Davis; mother Edna Knudson and step-father Carl Knudson; brother Jim Davis, brother-in-law David Hancock and sister-in-law Susan Cichowski.

Memorial contributions in Ray’s honor are suggested to Kittitas County Search and Rescue, PO Box 1494, Ellensburg WA 98926.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Ellensburg. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com