Ray M. STANLEY

STANLEY, DEGRYSE

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 6/12/2012 at 00:26:40

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
September, 1975

OBITUARY ~ RAY M. STANLEY

Ray M. STANLEY was born at Beaconsfield, Iowa on December 8, 1914, and following a lingering illness, passed away at the Decatur County Hospital in Leon, September 26, 1975, at the age of 60 years. He was the son of Selby and Alta STANLEY.

He joined the Beaconsfield Methodist Church in his youth and was active for many years. After graduating from Beaconsfield High School in 1932, he attended a business college in Grand Island, Neb. He later went to Colorado whre he farmed with his uncle and it was there he met his wife-to-be.

On Christmas Day, 1936, he married Ada DeGRYSE. They spent all of their married life on a farm near Beaconsfield, except for four years in Colorado, until 10 months ago when they moved to Mount Ayr.

The couple had three sons. They include Roger of Arvada, Colo., Neil of Chugiak, Alaska and Gene of Lakewood, Colo.

Ray was prominent in many community activities. He served as worshipful master and "went through the chairs" of Banner Lodge No. 437, A.F. and A.M., Grand River, Iowa, and was also a member of Mount Ayr Order of the Eastern Star, No. 356.

Most prominent in youth activities, Ray gave particular attention to the 4-H club program. he served as a volunteer 4-H leader, a member of the county 4-H committee, and was also a member of the district advisory committee. The Ringgold County 4-H Clubs initiated him as an honorary member. Rarm Bureau and school activities were other groups that claimed his time and energy.

One of Ray's greatest interests was sports. In recent years he enjoyed bowling and was widely known in bowling circles in southern Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include: his wife, Ada; his three sons and their wives - Mrs. Roger (Beth) STANLEY, Mrs. Neil (Kluane) STANLEY and Mrs. Gene (Debbie) STANLEY; six grandchildren - Michele, John, Daniel, Angela, Scott and Tony, and his stepmother, Mrs. Mae STANLEY of Clearview Home in Mount Ayr.

In addition to his family, Ray will be missed by a host of friends.

It can truly be said that Ray lived a full life.

Funeral services were held Monday, September 29, 1975, at 2 o'clock p.m., conducted at Rhoades-Wilson Funeral Home by Rev. D. D. UNDERWOOD, Rev. Walter ZARR and Rev. Milton HENDERSON. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery at Mount Ayr where Masonic rites were held.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, June of 2012