ForeverMissed
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A 1955 graduate of Ord High, Ray joined the Navy and served 4 years.  He then attended Kearney State College for 1 year. He returned to Ord and worked at the Ord Quiz as Advertising Manager. On Nov 10, 1962, Ray married Mary Helen Banks of Ord, NE.  They had 3 children - Mitzi, Matthew and Marci.  In 1967, Ray and Mary opened "Marshall's Photography".  Ray was the 7th professional photographer in the state to earn his Certified Professional Photographer endorsement.  Ray and Mary provided innovative photography services to Ord and the surrounding area for many years.  He was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, a charter member of Ord Elks, life member of VFW, charter member of Ord Jaycees, past board member of Ord Township Library, member of Ord golf Club, past City Council member, past board member of Professional Photographers of America, and Professional Photographer's of NE associations. Ray loved to fish, golf, socialize and have cocktails with friends (Martini's & Scotch), play cards, cribbage, and run with Doc "CE" Blaha and his dogs. Ray was preceded in death by his infant son Matthew Dillon Marshall, his parents Donald and Helen Marshall, sister Wilma Gilberg and her husband Chuck, sister Shirley Detloff and her husband Wayne. He is survived by his wife Mary, two daughters; Mitzi (Russ) Snyder of Janesville, WI; Marci (Rus) Biven of Omaha, NE; four grandchildren, Tegan (Danielle) Snyder of Stillwater, MN; Tessa Snyder of Jefferson, WI; Marshall Biven of Nashville, TN; Joshua Pono Biven of Omaha, NE; two great grandchildren - Arlo and Jude Snyder.

There will be no service as requested by Ray. The family will have a private gathering. We invite you to share you condolences, tributes, and memories on this website.

Raise your glass and honor Ray with a toast! Memorials are suggested to the Ord Township Library or Ord Golf Club. Please send cards and Memorials to Mary at, 322 Wolf Ave Ord,NE 68862.  Hitchcock Funeral Home in Burwell is in charge of arrangements.
October 9, 2023
October 9, 2023
It's hard to believe it's been two years since Ray died. I have fond memories of times with Mary and him. They were both so positive and loved what they were doing with photography. I admired that. Plus they were always warm and welcoming to me although we didn't see them often.
Sending love and peace, Sue
May 3, 2023
May 3, 2023
Happy Birthday Ray!! I am most definitely sure you are celebrating in heaven! This is the most beautiful time of the year for flowers and I'm sure Mitzi and Marci have a special one for you!
November 15, 2021
November 15, 2021
Dear Mary and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Ray's passing. Visiting you and Ray at your place along the river was always something we looked forward to on our visits to the farm. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayer.
Dale and Sue Vodehnal
October 26, 2021
October 26, 2021
I always enjoyed the time I spent around my Uncle Ray. Everyone recalls his quick wit and ability to make us laugh. He always in a good mood and I’m sure he is in heaven right now entertaining over happy hour or telling some jokes on the golf course.

Mary and Ray were a such a great team and it was always a joy to watch them together: They came all the way to Austin for our wedding reception and I still remember Ray was the consummate gentlemen and danced with my bride Sonya that evening to welcome her to the family. It’s a great memory—like all the memories I have of Ray.

My deepest condolences go out Mary, Mitzi, Marci and all the Marshalls. He was a great man and will be missed by all who knew him.
October 19, 2021
October 19, 2021
Mary, prayers to you and your family!! Many fond memories of you and Ray taking my senior pictures, wedding, and kids graduation pictures!! I will always remember the friendship that you both showed too!! Marci and I had some fun times too and you welcomed everyone as they were part of your family!! My thoughts and prayers to you all!! May Ray rest In Perfect Peace!!
October 14, 2021
October 14, 2021
To get your bearings, I was the United Methodist Minister in Ord from 1972 to 1977. Ray and Mary took pictures at dozens of weddings at our Church. In every instance he (they) made the people so relaxed. Okay, maybe not when Mary wet her fingers to smooth down somebody's hair! I have nothing but fond memories of working with them. We cherish a family picture we have that he (they) took in a field of dandelions just before we left town in 1977. We offer our sympathy as you grieve and go forward.
October 14, 2021
October 14, 2021
Mary, Mitzi and Marci,

I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Ray. He was always such a kind man and quick with a smile. We have so many family portraits that he (and Mary) took throughout the years. It was always fun to go out to their “studio” at their house. He will be remembered by many as they continue to enjoy their beautiful portraits. May you find comfort in your memories.
October 14, 2021
October 14, 2021
Dear Mary, Mitzi and Marci,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your husband and father. Ray was a wonderful person and a true gentleman. Although I didn’t realize it at the time, I learned much about being the father of two girls from my experiences with Ray. I marveled at his honesty, patience and acceptance and have relied on those virtues in my own life. May all your memories of Ray bring you joy and comfort…
October 14, 2021
October 14, 2021
Ray Marshall Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our family had the pleasure of meeting Ray at CMHC when visiting our father. We always enjoyed Ray and he quickly became one of our favorites and we were so pleased that our dad had such a fine friend to spend time with. He will be missed! Our deepest condolences.
Spike Welton Family
October 13, 2021
October 13, 2021
Mary and family,
Jerry and I and our kids offer our sincere condolences. So many wonderful memories of Christmas pictures- family pictures and of course senior portraits taken by Ray. Ray always made us laugh. We have you in our thoughts and prayers.
October 12, 2021
October 12, 2021
Dear Mary and Family,
So sorry to hear of Ray's passing. My husband and I were one of the many families that would camp at Calamus with Marci and Rus. We have fond memories of you and Ray being so gracious bringing appetizers, and beer to make sure that everyone was having a good time. There was always a lot of laughter. Ray had a great smile. God bless you!
Denise and Joe
October 12, 2021
October 12, 2021
Mary, was so sorry to hear of Ray's passing, will always remember his smile and sweet personality, we had some fun times...you took our wedding pictures, family pictures and then our daughters graduation pictures. I too always admired your love for one another. Ray.... "Soar high on eagles wings" Love and Prayers to you Mary and the family
October 12, 2021
October 12, 2021
Mary and family - I was so sorry to learn of Ray's passing. I will always remember you two as the perfect couple. Our deepest sympathy.

Rich and Sharon Zulkoski
October 12, 2021
October 12, 2021
Dear Mary and family,
So sorry for your family's broken heart with the loss of Ray.
I remember Ray and Mary at some of the Carkoski family functions. Ray was so much fun he always was quick witted. I can hear him and my Dad laughing together. I always thought Ray and Mary were such a fun couple, and they both always looked so good together. I'm sorry for your heart ache.
Sincerely ..Evonne (Engler) Joerz 2cnd daughter of Max and Ruth Engler,
October 11, 2021
October 11, 2021
 I knew Mary before she married Ray and considered her another cousin as her mom Virginia was a favorite. of mine. Then when she married Ray, he fit right in the family. He was always so happy and glad to share and talk about the results of their photography business. We admired them. They were a neat and welcoming couple. We're just sorry we did not see them more often. May the many good memories of Ray live on...Peace and love, Sue and Dick Tempero
October 11, 2021
October 11, 2021
When Ray and Mary were first married Ray tolerated and treated me as a brother. Several times, while I was in High School, Ray handed me the keys to his new Plymouth Valiant. My own parents didn't trust me with their car, wonder why?
We will always remember Ray's humor and special personality. He was a great brother-in-law to both of us. Our hearts go out to Mary, Mitzi, Marci and their families. 
             Tom & Pat Banks Sr
October 11, 2021
October 11, 2021
Dear Tegan,
I am so sorry for the loss of your grandpa. I loved reading your memories about him! Thank you for sharing. I am Tina, Max and Ruth Engler's daughter, (child #5, daughter #3). Your mom, Mitzi, and I had lots of fun when she lived with us for awhile. I remember Ray and Mary being SO much fun...they were always happy and laughing. He will be greatly missed. Deepest sympathy to you...it's very tough to lose a grandfather. God Bless You! Tina (prayers)
October 11, 2021
October 11, 2021
Dear Mary, Mitzi, and Marci,
I am so sorry to hear about Ray. He was always such fun to know. Ray always took all our family pictures, and he did such a great job. I know he was a friend to all, and he will be missed. My prayers are with you all.
                                      Sharon Blaha
October 9, 2021
October 9, 2021
As a young kid I always looked forward to visiting my grandparents. My sister and I could run free and be spoiled by our wonderful loving grandparents. Grandpa always had a knack for keeping us entertained. He was quick witted and full of humor and always had a story or lesson to share along the way. He loved what he did for a living and was dedicated to his craft.

He and grandma touched countless people’s lives over the years taking photographs of entire families over the years in the Ord area. They formed a wonderful partnership that was centered around making the experience of getting your photographs enjoyable and always made sure to keep you laughing throughout the process. Grandpa did his best to keep his outdoor sets pristine. It was fun running through the yard as a kid and climbing on them or swinging on the big rope swing, they had. He even tried his best to keep the varmint population in check, keeping a 22 rifle nearby in case those pesky rabbits encroached on his territory.

In my teenage years I grew more interested in technology and had the great pleasure sharing my interest in digital technologies with grandpa. He was keen on learning more about digital photography. He was consuming book left and right and eventually purchased a digital camera and Macintosh computer. It was a joy to help him, and grandma get their computers setup and teach grandpa how to use Photoshop to edit pictures he had taken. I found a special bound there that I cherish to this day.

I remember bringing my wife over to grandpa and grandma’s house for the first time. We had such a good time. Grandpa rehearsed his routine for making the perfect Martini and then we all jumped in the Blazer, drinks in hand, to go on a country cruise. For my wife and I this is a memory we continue to speak about to this day to anyone that will listen. Nothing beats getting “retooled” (new drink) as grandpa would say and hitting the road to enjoy the scenery.

I will forever miss this man. I know he is in a better place. I love you dearly grandpa and wish you the very best in your afterlife.

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Recent Tributes
October 9, 2023
October 9, 2023
It's hard to believe it's been two years since Ray died. I have fond memories of times with Mary and him. They were both so positive and loved what they were doing with photography. I admired that. Plus they were always warm and welcoming to me although we didn't see them often.
Sending love and peace, Sue
May 3, 2023
May 3, 2023
Happy Birthday Ray!! I am most definitely sure you are celebrating in heaven! This is the most beautiful time of the year for flowers and I'm sure Mitzi and Marci have a special one for you!
November 15, 2021
November 15, 2021
Dear Mary and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Ray's passing. Visiting you and Ray at your place along the river was always something we looked forward to on our visits to the farm. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayer.
Dale and Sue Vodehnal
Recent stories
October 12, 2021
Mary, we were very sadden to learn of Ray's passing.  A few days ago we found old proofs of the pictures you took of our family including Brandy, our St Bernard and  we remember the high school graduation pictures of our kids.  I also enjoyed both of you as clients.   Karl and Phyl Kostbahn

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