Ray walked into heaven and was warmly embraced by his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 19, 2013. Born in a dirt-floor boxcar on the Thornapple River to Floyd and Gudren in 1939, Ray grew to be a young boy with big dreams. He fulfilled them by joining the Army. Stationed in France, he saw Europe. He raised three beautiful daughters, built 3 homes by his own hand, retired after 31 years at Steelcase and became a North American game hunter from Nova Scotia to Alaska, the Arctic to New Mexico. Married to the love of his life for 32 years, Ray, well done! You’ve been a man’s man, a great father, spouse, grandpa, friend and ever helpful considerate guy. It’s true. Everyone loves Raymond. Ray was preceded in death by daughter Sharon Haywood. He is survived by his wife, Inge; daughters Bonnie Trolard and Diana (Tom) Bruxvoort; siblings Barb (Ron) Rothley and Clayton (Sharon) VanAmburgh; grandchildren Travis Ray Trolard; Tom, Jenna and Grace Bruxvoort; Amanda Rae (Josh) Miling and Brianna Haywood. A funeral service will be Saturday 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Lowell. Reverend Rick Blunt officiating. Visitation will be Friday 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Roth-Gerst Chapel, 305 N. Hudson, Lowell, MI and Saturday at the church from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 621 E. Main St., Lowell MI 49331.
