Luella Grace (Ray) Vaccaro
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Luella Grace (Ray) Vaccaro, age 85, died September 6th, at her home.
Born June 2, 1934 in Miles City, MT.. She was the daughter of the late Gladys A. (Danklefsen) Ray and David Otto Ray. Raised in the Seattle Washington area, Luella joined the U.S. Air Force in 1952. She was crowned Queen at the 1954 U.S. Air Force Beauty Contest in Biloxi, MS. While serving her country, she met her husband, the late Nick Dante Vaccaro, in the courtyard of the Pentagon building. They were married February 18th, 1955 and moved to Youngstown, OH. and later to Seattle, WA. Luella, attended the University of Washington, majoring in fine arts. Later she attended U.C. Berkeley for additional studies. The Vaccaros’ would move to Austin, TX. where their son was born.
The family then moved to Lawrence, KS. in 1963 where she continued working as an artist, primarily as a ceramicist. She was a member of Who’s Who in American Art and a recent founding member of the Lawrence Friends of Jazz. Luella and her husband Nick forged an enduring love and creative life together that lasted for 47 years until his death in 2002. Lu will be sadly missed by the many friends who kept her young in spirit and her family who loved her dearly.
Luella is survived by her son Nick Dante Vaccaro Jr., a sister Martha King, a brother, David Mac Ray and her grandchildren, Sasha and Milo Vaccaro. She was proceeded in death by her parents, husband and sister Barbara Jean (Ray) Smith.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Lawrence Friends of Jazz, c/o Matt Wheeler, 5103 Stonewall Ct., Lawrence, KS 66047 or may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Nick, so sorry for your loss…Lou was a jewel!!
Wow, what can I say about this wonderful woman, she loved music and art so much and I loved hearing her many stories. She will be missed by a so many people especially when out and about in Lawrence enjoying good Jazz. I know she is with her husband listening to the best Jazz and painting, Have a drink for me Lu!
This talented woman will be greatly missed by those of us who were lucky enough to have enjoyed her company, her art, her bridge playing, her enthusiasm for life, her love of jazz, and her stories. Lou was a true treasure!
One of kind, Lu was. One of a kind. She brightened up any occasion and had something interesting to offer to everyone she met. Lu lived life to the hilt!
She will be missed in many circles.
Eugenia Bryan
I called Lu my surrogate grandmother. She came to my college graduation party with a ceramic bowl she had baked a small cake–sized just for one lucky grad guy (she was easily the oldest gal in attendance). Lu inspired me. She always asked me to sing her the standard Skylark at Five Bar when it was still kicking, and I will always remember her with this enchanting song. Lu’s passion for the arts and music moves me today. I loved her fire, and her candor. She always spoke her mind. We can all learn from this wonderful woman. Rest easy, Lu.
It is next to impossible to express the loss that this community will feel with the passing of this brilliant bolt of colorful energy. Lu was and shall remain the personification of creative energy. Dance on, Lu!
I only got to know you, Lu, the past few years at bridge tables. But there are so many things that I will remember you for and things I will always thank you for. You were my partner the day we got the most epic score I’ve ever had in 20 years of playing bridge. That takes a great partner…thanks! You taught me the finer points of playing Cribbage just weeks ago. I am thankful for the afternoons we whiled away with you skunking me. Those afternoons playing cards were filled with more…with conversation about art, yours and both of your Nicks’…about an amazing life that I can only imagine…except for your stories and that picture of you looking at least as good as Rita Hayworth!! I watched the way you lived your life…here and there…doing as many of the things that made you happy as you could fit in and accomplish between sleeps. You inspire me still to try to do with my life as you did with yours. Live it to the hilt and do what makes you happy! I miss you so much, my friend. Peace and joy.
I spent a lot of time with her at her home and rentals. Peace be with all.
Lu lived life on her own terms. I will miss sitting with her at music gigs and holding her hand. Prettiest eyes and loveliest smile I have ever seen!
Susan Lomas
Lu was truly one-of-a-kind and will be deeply missed. We’ll always remember her beautiful smile, twinkle in her eyes, the graceful way she and her Nick danced together, and the lovely art she made. She will never be forgotten.
Love ya Lu ❤️
Keep dancing. I can see you with your favorite dancing partner again.
The Jazzhaus Big Band played Satin Doll for you. I miss you very much and feel your energy around the dance floor.