Wayne ‘Ritchey’ Ray

Wayne ‘Ritchey’ Ray passed away Saturday, August 18, 2012 in Plainwell.

Mr. Ray was born January 2, 1921 in Rensselaer, IN to Verna and Marie (Ritchey) Ray. Ritchey served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Ritchey was a heavy equipment operator with the Operating Engineers Union Local 324 retiring after 30 years. He was a member of International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 7, the Moose, Elks, the VFW and was a 32nd Degree Mason Life Member. Ritchey was involved with horse racing and barrel racing; and he was a founding member of the Prairiewood Golf Course in Otsego.

On June 29, 1940 in Indiana he married Elieen Goolsby who preceded him in death in 2007.

Surviving are a daughter, Diane (William) Cole of Otsego; 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Sheila Beegle and Leona McLaughlin; 2 sisters-in-law, Marian Ray and Polly Ray; many nieces and nephews. Ritchey was preceded in death by his parents; his sons, Ritchey and Ron; and a daughter Deane; his siblings, Vernon & Darryl Ray and Colleen Mitchell. In keeping with his wishes cremation has taken place.

A memorial visitation will be held from 2 to 5 P.M. Saturday, September 15, 2012 at the Otsego V.F.W. Post 3030. Contributions in memory of Ritchey may be made to

Southern Care Hospice

or to the Otsego Veterans Memorial.

Messages of condolence for his family may be posted at

www.WinkelFuneralHome.com

Offer Condolence for the family of Wayne ‘Ritchey’ Ray

Condolence Messages

Agnes Schmitt Vanarsdal

August 24, 2012 at 8:18 pm

I can remember when Richey would come out and pick up me and my house, so that I could go to the horse shows. A very nice man. Diane, my very deepest sympathy .

Reply

Gail (Foster) Tutewiler

August 26, 2012 at 4:45 pm

Diane & family,

So sorry to hear about Ritchey. He was such a great guy. A good friend of my dad’s. You were really good to your dad. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Reply

BJ Mohberg

September 4, 2012 at 10:58 am

Dear Diane and Family: I have had you and your family in my thoughts and prayers for weeks. I knew your father for just a few months, but enjoyed visiting with him very much. He was a true gentleman with a great sense of humor.

Diane, he really did appreciate all you did for him. He told me that you were a wonderful daughter. He so enjoyed the candy you brought and all the visits you made.

I am happy that I visited him on Friday and late Saturday afternoon. It was good to be his hospice volunteer the week before he died. Unfortunately, I must be in California for a family wedding at the time of the memorial service. BJ Mohberg, Hospice volunteer

Reply

Jeanne Burd

September 6, 2012 at 5:44 pm

Sheila and family,

So sorry to hear about Ritchey. It’s so hard as we age to lose our loved ones. Hang on to all the memories. Just want you to know I’m thinking of you at this sad time in your life. Hugs, Jeanne

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