Ray Nichols Cellan

Ray Nichols Cellan, Age 73, passed away on November 30, 2017 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Ray was born on July 18, 1944 in Casper, Wyoming to his parents Jacob Roy Cellan and Martha Maye Nichols. Ray attended Natrona County high school where he received his high school diploma in 1962. Shortly after graduating high school, he completed 1 year of study at Casper Junior College.

After completing 3 years in ROTC, Mr. Cellan joined the Wyoming National Guard for six years from April 26, 1965 to April 25, 1971. While in the National Guard, Mr. Cellan was a PFC3 and was discharged with honors as a staff Sergeant. Later Mr. Cellan married his beloved Wife of 41 years Karen Marlene Stantz, on December 13, 1975 in Denver, Colorado.

Mr. Cellan worked at Halburns Truck and Equipment for 13 years. Ray loved being outdoors any chance he could. He especially enjoyed Fishing, Hunting, camping with people he loved, hiking, skiing, water skiing, playing baseball and enjoying a good game of Golf. He was a faithful member at All Saints Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Rays favorite quote was by John Wayne: “Courage is being scared to death but saddling up any way!”

Ray was an Organ Donor and we already know that his eyes with 20/20 vision were gifted to someone who would have never been able to see! He has been cremated and his ashes will be scattered at the family’s favorite camp site at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp above Hillside in Colorado, also at some of his favorite fishing holes in Northern, New Mexico, where we know he’d love to be. Ray will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him dearly.

Ray was preceded in death by both of his parents Jacob Roy Cellan and Martha Maye Nichols; his step father Norvel Independence Bennett.

He is survived by his beloved wife Karen S. Cellan; his two daughters Alanna N. Cellan and Amy A. Enriquez; his granddaughter Natalie Rae Cellan; his two grandsons Jonah Dale Cellan and Jacob Felix Enriquez, all of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; also his brother Roy R. Cellan and wife Kathryn Cellan from Missoula, Montana; his niece Kimberly R. Bauer and his Nephew Brian Cellan.

To everyone who has helped us through this difficult loss, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

A memorial service celebrating Ray’s life will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 3:00 pm at All Saints Lutheran Church located at 4800 All Saints Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120. With a reception to follow.

Thank you to all who have contributed to our GoFundMe account. It a truly appreciated.

https://www.gofundme.com/grampy-rays-final-expenses

To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to:

Southern Chapel

2400 Southern Blvd

Rio Rancho, NM 87124