Ronald Raymond "Ray" Kalista

Ronald Raymond “Ray” Kalista, age 87, of Central Point, died Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford.

Ray was born to Edwin and Edna (Knab) Kalista on March 16, 1931 in Toledo, Washington where he grew up one of 15 children. He attended school in Toledo and when he was in junior high he went to work on a farm while still attending school.

At around the age of 18 years old, Ray went to California and did some logging for a little while. He then returned to Washington and did some logging until it stopped.

He decided to come to Grants Pass where a sister and a brother lived and found work in logging once more; and eventually decided to enlist in the Army for three years and was soon on his way to Korea in 1951.

Ray was married to Delores “De” and they have three sons; Bill, DeWayne and Paul. He was so very proud of his boys.

Ray spent several years in construction running heavy equipment in Oregon, Washington and California until is retirement. He also worked for the city of Gold Hill as Superintendent of Public Works for 11 years. Ray eventually retired from the adventures of life.

Survivors include his former spouse, Delores “De” Kalista of Central Point; three sons, Ronald William “Bill” Kalista of Central Point, DeWayne Edward Kalista of Bremerton, Washington, Paul Timothy Kalista of Central Point; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three sisters, Frances, Mary and Betty; one brother, Kenneth.

Ray is preceded in death by four sisters, Joy, Esther, Lillian and Josephine; six brothers, Jack, Bob, Dyche, David, Jim and Art.

Interment will be at Eagle Point National Cemetery Friday, October 12, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. with Military Funeral Honors provided by the Oregon Army National Guard.