Ray H. Derby (1895-1958)

DERBY

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 11/27/2008 at 10:40:47

Ray Harding Derby 1895-circa 1958

Funeral services for Ray H. Derby, 63, were held at the Congregational church Sunday with the Rev. A.J. Goodson officiating. Burial was in Graceland cemetery, MR. Derby died at a Council Bluffs hospital May 19 following a lingering illness.

Ray Harding Derby was born on September 29, 1895 at Wilton Junction, the son of Mathan Wilson Derby and Emma Staughten Derby. The family moved to a farm east of Avoca when Ray was one year old. He remained on the Derby farm for 55 years.

He was married to Anna Dirgo on November 22, 1906 and to this union one son, Wilson Raymond, was born. In recent years, Mr. and Mrs. Derby moved to Griswold, Minden, and Shelby, returning to Avoca from Shelby when Mr. Derby’s health made it impossible to continue working on the farm. They have been living in Avoca with their son, Wilson and family.

He is survived by his wife, Anna; their son, Wilson’ four grandchildren and two brothers; Ira and Scott Derby of Avoca.

From the Scrapbooks of Bessie Gross Gustafsen
Source: Avoca Journal Herald