Esther K. Ray
Esther K. Ray, 94, formerly of South Whitley, died at 10:25 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016 at Timbercrest Home in North Manchester where she had been a resident since May 2010.
She was born March 2, 1922 in Monroe, a daughter of Adolph and Esther Sprunger. Her formative years were spent in the Monroe and Berne areas. She graduated from Monroe High School.
On Nov. 9, 1941 she was united in marriage to Karl E. Ray. They made their home in the Monroe and South Whitley communities. From 1987 until January 2006, their winters were spent in Avon Park, Florida. Mr. Ray died June 8, 2001.
Esther began working in the office at Sidney High School in 1958 then South Whitley High School, retiring from Whitko High School in 1987. She then became an avid quilter.
She was a member of North Manchester United Methodist Church.
Surviving relatives include three children: Richard G. (Dollie) Ray of Louisville, Ky.; Dean A. (Marilyn) Ray of Fort Wayne; and Kathy (Jim) Eggleston of Elkhart; eight grandchildren: Mick Ray, Angela Brooks, Susan Chandler, Jackie Allison, Julie Dunlap, Laura Travis, Danny Eggleston and Ben Eggleston; and 15 great grandchildren; and a sister, Doris Fisher of Monroe.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a grandson and a brother, Edward Sprunger.
The funeral service will be held at noon Wednesday, Nov. 2, with visitation after 10 a.m. at Timbercrest Retirement Community Chapel, 2201 East Street, North Manchester. Burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home.
Arrangements are being completed by Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley.