Lovina Mae Ray

Lovina Mae Ray, age 91, of Bargersville, formerly of Bloomington passed away Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at her residence. Born February 24, 1930 in Battle Creek, Michigan, she was the daughter of Edward J. and Myrtle May (Darling) Dillman. Lovina was a Michigan state diving champion in addition to being an Olympic hopeful. She was a showgirl with the U.S.O. and a dance instructor, opening her own dance studio in 1952 in Battle Creek, Michigan teaching tap, jazz, and ballet. From 1962-1967, she lived in the country of Brazil and from 1967-1971 in Bangkok, Thailand. After moving to Bloomington, she and her late husband, Jack Ray, would entertain in Bloomington nursing homes singing and dancing. She also led an exercise class for her fellow Sherwood Green residents. Lovina was the ultimate entertainer and organizer of parties, never passing up the opportunity to do the planning for such. She was a long-time member of First United Church (formerly First-Baptist Church-United Church of Christ).

Lovina is survived by her three sons; Lary (Bev) Prior, of Bargersville, Kerry Lee (Carol) Watson, of Neenah, Wisconsin and Ricky Lee (Jackie) Watson, of Grand Rapids, Michigan; two daughters, Lori (Doug Sharp) Page, of Brownsburg and Linda Aalto, of Bloomington; three step-daughters, Robin (Bob) Billing, of Norwell, Massachusetts, Debbie (Sam) Haverlock, of Helendale, California and Julie (Greg) Meyer, of Bloomington, twelve grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Clair L. Watson, second husband, J. Russell Prior, third husband, Jack N. Ray, three brothers, Howard Colen, Harold Colen and Albert Dillman and two sisters, Betty Lancaster and Dorothy Moody.

The funeral service will be at 4:00 p.m. Monday at the Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home; 4150 E. Third St. Friends may visit the family on Monday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date in Fairmount Cemetery in Huntingburg, Indiana.

Online condolences may be given at www.DayDeremiahFrye.com