Mary Ellen Ray, 92, of Hillsboro, died on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, at 9:29 p.m. at Hillsboro Health.
Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8, at Bass Patton Dean Funeral Home in Hillsboro. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Hillsboro with the Rev. Kevin Simburger, pastor of Mt. Olive Methodist Church officiating.
Bass Patton Dean Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Mrs. Ray was born on Jan. 22, 1932, in Hillsboro, to the late Virginia (Athey) (husband, Harley) Root and Earl McBroom. On March 3, 1953, she married the love of her life, Marion, in Hillsboro. The couple had celebrated 33 years of marriage before he preceded her in death in 1986. She was one of nine siblings and lived in East Fork Township her entire life. She had attended Schram City and Hillsboro schools and pursued a career as a file clerk for CEFS. In May of 1955, her and her husband welcomed their only child, Romona Jean. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hillsboro as a child, Sorento Assembly of God, New Life Assembly in Coffeen, Donnellson Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, VFW Ladies Auxiliary and she thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her family.
She is survived by her daughter, Romona Ray; and sister, Audrey Blevins, both of Hillsboro; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Ray was preceded in death by her siblings, Eugene Dorf, Nelda Cole, Harley DeMoin Root, Virginia Blevins, Lola Watson, Joyce Chapman and Larry Root.
Memorials are suggested to Love Packages in Butler and Jimmy Swaggart Ministries’ Bible-Thon.
Condolences may be left at www.basspattondeanfh.com.
