Eileen Ray

Eileen A. Ray, age 94, has gone on her final trip to be united with her beloved husband Joe.  She was born in Columbia, Tuscarawas County on January 21, 1924.  She died peacefully on March 18, 2018 with her daughter by her side in the home she had lived in for over 70 years in Mt. Sterling. She and her husband, Joe, loved to spend time and party with their friends and family and travel.  Even until near the end, if we said "Christiana wants to go...." she would get up and head for the door even if she was still in her nitegown!  She was a 1945 graduate of Massillon City Hospital School of Nursing and worked at Columbus State Hospital and the Madison County Health Department.  She was a member of both Eastern Star Sterling Chapter #74 and the American Legion Auxiliary #417 and #105 for over 60 years.  She also belonged to The United Church in Mt. Sterling. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Viola Yackey; her siblings Kenny, Jim, Dave and Betty and her son-in-law Ralph Briggs. She is survived by her daughter Joyce Briggs of Mt. Sterling and her son, Bruce (Anji) Ray of Texas; her grandchildren Christy Liff of Mt. Sterling, Michael (Kathy) Ray of Texas, Christine (Chad) Roe of Virginia, Timothy (Jordan) Ray of Texas, Caitlyn (Mark) Bennett of Australia, and Brian Liff of Mt. Sterling.  She has 17 great-grandchildren: Taylor Harris, Christiana Liff, Madison and Owen Roe, Caden, Brenden and Christian Ray, Landon, Carson, and Mackenzie Ray, Conner, Sophia, Abigail and Matthew Bennett, Christopher, Michaela and Joshua Liff.  Also surviving are her sisters, Doris and Bonnie Yackey of Dover, Ohio, sister-in-law Ann Yackey of Dover and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Per her wishes she has been cremated.  A memorial service and celebration of life will be held later and the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to the Honor Flight Columbus, P.O. Box 12036, Columbus, Ohio 43212 or the Gary Sinese Foundation, P.O. Box 50008, Studio City, CA 91614-5001.