Ruth M. Ray

Services celebrating the life of Ruth M. Ray, 90, are set for 2:00 P.M. Sunday, August 17, 2003, at Caudle-Rutledge Funeral Home in Lindale with Bro. James B. Rutledge officiating. Burial will be in Red Springs Cemetery. Mrs. Ray died at Tyler Hospice HomePlace on August 14, 2003. An East Texas native, she was born Maggie Ruth McClenny in Red Springs on January 11, 1913, the daughter of the late Joseph Whitfield McClenny and Lena Mae Yates McClenny. She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Bryan K. Ray; sons, Bryan Kenneth Ray and Arliss Wayne Ray; great-granddaughter, Lindsay Ann Ray and brother Curtis McClenny. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, June and Marlin Epp of Tyler; daughter, Sara Waggonner of Tyler; daughters-in-law, Patsy Ruth Ray of Grand Saline and Patricia Dittfurth of Midway. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: David Epp of Georgetown; Mark Epp of Shreveport; Kelly Waggonner of San Diego, CA; Kenny Ray of Winona; Steve Ray of Gladewater; Lindsey Ray of Grand Saline; Tracy Ray of Mineola; Michael Wayne Ray, serving in Iraq; Steve Epp of Rockwall; Angie Beekman of Tyler; and Donna Harris of Hewitt; 19 grandchildren; sister, Leola Shamburger of Winona; sister-in-law, Lib McClenny of Lindale; and several nieces and nephews and many friends. Mrs. Ray was a graduate of Tyler High School. She was a Christian and a member of First Baptist Church in Lindale and the Esther Sunday school class. She was a charter member of the Swan Garden Club and was known for her beautiful flowers. Shewas a Sunday school teacher for many years and also active in W.M.U. and P.T.A. She worked as a seamstress for Sledges, R.L. Davis, and Buddy Schoelkoff. She never met a tranger and was an inspiration to all who knew her. Pallbearers will be Paul Smith, J. T. Turnipseed, Floyd Anderson, Owen Scott, Joe Tew, and Eugene McClenny. Honorary Pallbearers will be her grandsons. The family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Saturday, August 16, 2003 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice of East Texas HomePlace, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701 or Pinecrest Family Council of Pinecrest Nursing & Rehab Center, 3505 Old Jacksonville Road, Tyler, TX 75701

Ruth M. Ray

January 11, 1913 - August 14, 2003