Dorothy (Klein) RAY

KLEIN, RAY, KANELLIS

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 8/14/2016 at 15:35:15

September 20, 1922 ---- August 9, 2016

Iowa City ---- Dorothy (Dottie) Klein Ray died peacefully Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016. Dottie's genuine interest in others, her tireless energy, her devotion to her family and her love of the University of Iowa and the Iowa City community will forever be remembered.

Dottie was born in Eagle Grove, Iowa, on Sept. 20, 1922. After graduating from Eagle Grove High School and Eagle Grove Junior College, she received her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Iowa in journalism. A consummate journalist, Dottie was editor of the first all-female staff for the Daily Iowan and thus began a lifetime career of sharing the stories of others.

On Oct. 19, 1947, Dottie eloped to marry her best friend, Robert F. Ray, who was serving as a speech writer for Thomas Dewey in Albany, N.Y. In 1949, the Rays returned to the University of Iowa, where Robert Ray joined the faculty as the first director of the Institute of Public Affairs and Dottie started a career in broadcast journalism that spanned more than 50 years.

As host of "The Dottie Ray Show," Dottie welcomed thousands of guests into her home to share their stories and to keep the Iowa City community up to date on all that was happening. Ever positive, Dottie believed in bringing out the best in all of her guests and her enthusiasm for making Iowa City a better place led to her involvement in countless non-profit organizations.

At some point over the years Dottie undoubtedly asked you to donate to one of the organizations she was passionate about. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you pick your favorite organization and donate your time, your money, or something from the organization's wish list.

On June 22, 2016, Dottie had the luxury of attending the premiere of a documentary that had been created to honor her life. At the conclusion of the documentary Dottie said she felt she had attended her own wake and that it had been a wonderful party. Because of this and as per her wishes, there will not be a service. Please celebrate her life by loving your family, cultivating friendships, listening to the stories of others, and doing all you can to make the world a better place.

Dottie was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, and her beloved daughter, Jennifer Louise. Left to honor her life every day are her daughter, Amelia Kanellis; her son-in-law, Michael Kanellis; her devoted grandchildren, Nicholas and Alex Kanellis; and her loving Julia Maries (Hynes and Hunter).

Dottie entered into Eternal Life on Aug. 9, 2016, not as a victim, but a victor.

Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service in Iowa City is handling arrangements.

http://www.lensingfuneral.com/obituaries/Dorothy-Dottie-Ray?obId=1027443#/obituaryInfo