Andrea L. Wanya, legally known as Ann W. Ray, 71, from the Pueblo of Acoma passed peacefully to the spirit world on May 17th, 2025 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Ann was born Hopi Tawa clan on May 10th, 1954 in Barstow, California to Andres and Elma Wanya. She attended Haskell Junior College in Lawrence, KS in 1973. Ann was a beloved member of the Pueblo of Acoma. She retired in 2019, after a 25-year career at New Sunrise Regional Treatment Center in San Fidel, NM. She impacted the many lives of her clients and colleagues with her witty sense of humor, calm, kind attitude, and nurturing, wise demeanor.
Ann loved her grandchildren dearly, playing Bingo, going to movies, cooking, chocolate, listening to all genres of music, and spending time with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, father: Andres Wanya of Acoma, NM; mother: Elma M. Wanya, of Old Oraibi, AZ; brothers: Arnold J. Wanya, Franklin D. Wanya of Acoma, NM; and her longtime partner: Reynaldo Garcia of Seboyeta, NM.
Ann is survived by her loving daughters: Rhiannon Ray, Alana Doyeto and Amanda J. Garcia; siblings; sister: Ramona R. Wanya; and brother: Dennis A. Wanya of the Pueblo of Acoma; brother: Ken Wanya of Rio Rancho, NM; sisters- in-law: Angela Wanya and Cheryl Wanya; sons-in-law Allyn Shields, Wesley Doyeto, Courtney Mahkee; grandchildren: Adriel, Andrew, Axyl, Waniya, A'Marhia, Avian, Allyiah, and Ashley; nieces: Channing Concho, Chante’American Horse; nephew: Dylan McGinn; as well as many relatives and numerous, dear friends.
Ann will be dearly missed. A celebration of life for Ann begins Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 with a rosary/wake at 6 pm at the Wanya Family home in Acoma, NM followed by mass at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Acomita, NM on Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 at 9 am. Ann will be laid to rest at McCarty's Cemetery in the Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico.