Rayma Louise McLean

Rayma McLean was born in Pasco, Washington on March 11, 1947 to Ray and Lucille Bailie of Mesa, Washington. She spent a happy childhood on the family farm and attended Mesa Elementary. A farm girl at heart, she “cleaned-up” well. During her years at Connell High School she participated in Junior Miss, debate and was crowned Miss Connell. She maintained her crown as Miss CWC while attending Central Washington College then continued to hit the books in business school in the Tri-Cities. While attending business school, Rayma met Phillip, a teacher at Connell High School. The meeting, a first date, came about after Rayma’s brother Manton asked to borrow a piece of equipment from the school where Phil was teaching. Phil agreed on the condition that Manton would arrange a date with his sister. This date and several after were to baseball games and sporting events. Rayma joked that if Phil was looking for an athlete, he should look elsewhere. He was not deterred, and after an extremely romantic proposal at a stoplight in Spokane, they were married in 1968. The couple settled in Moses Lake where they made a home, raised a family and attended many, many more sporting events together for the next 50 years. All three of their children are athletes and have become involved in education and coaching. All six of their grandchildren have filled their lives with baseball, basketball, ballet and no boredom! As they made their life, there were ups and downs. But Rayma was always willing to pitch in. She even offered to assist with the farming. One the first several years on the farm, Rayma helped plant the wheat. When her father asked during a visit about the crooked rows, Rayma said “I understand you get more wheat seeded in crooked rows” and there were no more comments from her Dad. Her spirit for helping was one of her most enduring qualities. During her years in Moses Lake, Rayma became a vibrant contributor to her community. She was passionate and deeply committed to organizations like PEO (Women helping Women), Compassion International, her church, school fundraisers, and much more. She was always willing to help, and she did so with skill, patience, kindness and a happy heart. Rayma found joy in baking and gardening and was talented at both. We will miss her “Rayma rolls” and beautiful spring flower pots. Her family will continue to be warmed by fond memories of ginger bread houses, warm pies cooling on the counter, a comforting casserole after a sports practice, colorful flowers painting the back porch and lovely planter baskets perfect for tucking away an Easter egg or two. When you love someone, there is never enough time. And, so very many people loved Rayma. We mourn that she is gone too soon, yet we find peace knowing she is with her Heavenly Father, as well as Ray and Lucille. We know that she is surrounded by love. She will live on in the happy memories she’s made with her husband, children, grandchildren and many friends, colleagues and community members. Rayma is preceded in death by her parents Ray and Lucille. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Phillip McLean; her sons, Jason McLean (Cami), Moses Lake, and Aaron McLean (Darby), Spokane; her daughter, Jenny Nighswonger (Dan), Moses Lake; her brother, Manton Bailie (Patti), Mesa, and Sister in-law Phyllis Jess (Tom), Wenatchee. She is also survived by six grandchildren (Evan, Mia, Sydney, Addison, Nash and Drayson) as well as numerous extended family members and dear friends. Memorial Services will be held on Friday, March 22nd at 11:00am in the Moses Lake Presbyterian Church (1142 Ivy Ave, Moses Lake). A luncheon will immediately follow. Viewing will be available Thursday March 21st, from 6:00-8:00pm at Kayser’s Chapel (831 S. Pioneer Way, Moses Lake) In lieu of flowers, Rayma’s family asks that you consider a donation in her name to the Deacons Fund at Moses Lake Presbyterian Church or to Assured Home Hospice of Moses Lake.

Rayma Louise McLean

March 11, 1947 - March 15, 2019