Obituary of Shirley Frances Ray

Shirley Ray, the daughter of Clarence C. and Maude (Clausen) Fenner, was born May 8, 1923 in rural Jasper County, Iowa. Shirley graduated from the Newton Senior High School. On May 8, 1941, Shirley was united in marriage with Eugene Ray in Missouri. Shirley had worked for a time for Newton Manufacturing and the Newton Schools system. Most of her career was working with Eugene on the farm. Shirley enjoyed traveling the world, including her three trips to visit her daughter in Africa. She enjoyed traveling in the United States camping with Eugene. Shirley was a prayer warrior. She was the choir director at Mt. Zion and was a Sunday school teacher for many years. She also led a Bible study at McCann Center for several years. Shirley was an avid reader and enjoyed sharing her books with others. She also enjoyed collecting cardinals, crocheting and making jewelry. Shirley was a member of the Community Heights Alliance Church in Newton. Shirley died on Friday, January 6, 2017 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. She was 93 years old. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene M. Ray; and her sister, Freda Schutte. Those left to honor Shirley’s memory include her children, Lee (Carolyn) Ray of Minneapolis, MN, Les (Kay) Ray of Wooster, OH and Larry Ray of Neosha, MO, Beverly (Timothy) Wright of Mali Africa, and Bryce (Charlotte) Ray of Palmer, AK; her grandsons, Jeff Ray, Kevin Ray, David Ray, Ryan Ray, Robert Ray, Joel Wright and Jonathan Wright and granddaughters, Rebecca (Ray) Lovett, Deborah (Ray) Fouts, Rhonda (Ray) DelReal and Rochelle Ray and her seventeen great grandchildren and her many neighbors and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, January 14th at Cornerstone Bible Fellowship in Newton. The family will greet friends Saturday from 10:00 until 11:00 am. Memorials may be designated to the Christian Missionary Alliance which will be directed to the work of Tim and Bev Wright in Africa.