Raymond Rooper

He was born Feb. 13, 1934, in Detroit, to Raymond A. and Katherine (Simunic) Rooper. He attended school in Detroit, where he quit school to join the U.S. Army in 1951. He married Patricia Redmond on Feb. 19, 1955, in Baseline, Mich. While serving in Vietnam, he got orders to serve as a regular Army adviser to the Idaho National Guard in Lewiston, where they moved in 1970. After 21 years of service, he was discharged in 1973 and attended Lewis-Clark State College to get a teaching degree.

He was a teacher for 17 years at McSorley and Camelot elementary schools, and retired in 1991. The couple enjoyed dancing with a senior line-dancing group. He volunteered at the Idaho National Guard and a variety of veterans organizations in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley.

Ray is survived by his wife, Patricia; daughter, Mary Gruss; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Christine; and brother George.

No services are planned. A family reunion will be held at a later date.

For my husband - We made each other promises while standing face to face, and we have kept our wedding vows, because of daily grace. I know that we're not perfect, nor do we need to be, but I am always there for you ... As you've been there for me.