John N Rayz

DAUGHERTY TOWNSHIP

John N. Rayz, 91, of Daugherty Township, passed away Wednesday, August 7, 2013 while under the compassionate care of Good Samaritan Hospice. He was born March 1, 1922 in Beaver Falls, son of the late John and Emma (Benisky) Rayz. John attended Beaver Falls High School where he was an outstanding basketball player. He was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Kentucky. Following his freshman year at Kentucky, John was inducted into the U.S. Army serving during WWII. Also during his years of military service, John coached and played on the nationally ranked basketball team which won the Southern AAU Championship and represented the Army AAU team at the final four in New York.

After his discharge, John returned home and completed his education at Geneva College where he graduated in 1947 with a Bachelor of Education Degree. He taught and coached basketball at East Liverpool High School for from 1948 to 1952. Later he would begin what would become a long and rewarding sales career with Beglin Ford and retired as the Sales Manager of the Used Car Department. He received numerous sales achievement awards throughout his 28 years of employment, including the prestigious Top-Hatter Award.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his lovely wife of 60 years: Marjorie on March 22, 2007; and a sister: Dolores Natsch.

John was a great husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a devoted family man who made a point to give each and everyone undivided attention, never pre-occupied with interfering interests.

John is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law: Michael and Beverly Rayz, Chippewa; Bill and Ginger Rayz, Daugherty Township; five grandchildren: Michael Rayz and his wife Amy, Chippewa; Stephanie Cleveland and her husband Ben, Mobile, AL; Robyn Presto and her husband Michael, Darlington; Jessica Rayz, Las Vegas; Kristin Rayz, Daugherty Township; five great grandchildren: Kailey and Zachary Rayz, Chippewa; Calista and Brady Cleveland, Mobile, AL; Macy Presto, Darlington; his sister: Ann Toth, Seattle, WA.

In honor of his wishes, the service and entombment are private. Arrangements are by SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park. Online condolences may be offered at www.saul-gabauer.com.

If desired, memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society in loving memory of John N. Rayz.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to all who provided loving and compassionate care to John: the staff of: Friendship Ridge, Annex 2; Trinity Oaks Nursing Home; the Cancer Treatment Center of Heritage Valley Health, Beaver; the CCU at Heritage Valley Health, Beaver and Good Samaritan Hospice.

“The courage and dignity you demonstrated during the last few trying months has been an inspiration to all of us. Pappap, you are a warrior.”