Raymond Patrick Kelby
Columbia Basin Herald | UPDATED 3 hours, 43 minutes AGO
Raymond Patrick Kelby was a man of faith who enjoyed serving his community in a variety of ways. He will be missed by family and other loved ones.
Raymond Patrick Kelby, 70, passed away March 9, 2026, in Wilson Creek, Wash. He was born July 14, 1955, in Bethesda, Md.
Raymond was courageous, hardworking, kind, loving and had a ministry of support for those in isolation.
He is survived by his mother, Natsuyo Kelby; his sister, Karen Kauffman; his niece, Amanda (Kauffman) Gregory, and her husband, David Gregory; along with numerous extended family members in Washington, Hawaii and California.
In 1977, at age 22, Raymond was involved in a car accident that left him disabled. Despite this life-changing event, he remained determined to live an active and meaningful life and became a dedicated and valued member of his community. He was lovingly cared for all these years by his mother, father and sister.
At the time of his passing, Raymond served as an elder and treasurer at the Wilson Creek First Presbyterian Church. He also served as a Commissioner for the Wilson Creek Cemetery District No. 2 and previously held a position on the Grant County Health Board in Ephrata, Wash. Raymond volunteered with American Legion Post 28 in Ephrata, Wash., continuing the service his father, a retired veteran, had provided before his passing in 2005. Through Post 28, Raymond supported numerous fundraising efforts that provided scholarships for nursing education.
Raymond was a man of many talents and interests. He started a picture framing business, built handcrafted wooden garden windmills, and developed a love for art, learning to paint with acrylics and ink. He enjoyed painting pictures as well as decorating pumpkins, large and small, for Halloween. At one time, Raymond accepted the task of refinishing antique furniture for the Davenport courthouse after several pieces were damaged in a fire. He also shared his faith by co-leading the youth group at the First Presbyterian Church in Wilson Creek alongside Kathy Bohnet.
Known for his easygoing nature and warm spirit, Raymond was well-liked and respected throughout the community. His kindness, creativity and dedication to service touched many lives. He will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all who knew him.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. at the Wilson Creek First Presbyterian Church in the 300 block of Sprague Street, just downhill from the Wilson Creek school campus, with a luncheon to follow in the church basement.
Memorial donations may be made to the Wilson Creek First Presbyterian Church.