Raymond Stutler

Ray was born and raised in West Virginia, where he was one of ten children, and he continued to stay in touch with many family and friends long after he moved “up north” to Columbus. He joined the Air Force after high school, and dated his sweetheart, Shirley, when he was on leave and she lived in a boardinghouse in Ripley and worked at the local diner. They were married in 1960, moved to Columbus, and recently celebrated 65 years of marriage.

Ray worked for the U.S. Postal Service his entire career, traveling around to post offices all over the state to manage inventory. They raised two children, daughter Teresa and son Raymond Jr. Many happy years followed, even though tragically Ray Jr. was born with hemophilia which affected him and his family until his untimely death at age 47 in 2015 from complications of the disease.

Raymond and Shirley were active members of Crossroads Baptist Church (formerly Columbus Baptist Temple) for all of their adult lives. Ray was known in his later years for his leadership in the church’s nursing home ministry, traveling to various lower-income nursing homes in and around the area, bringing music and scripture, brightening the lives of many otherwise forgotten souls.

Raymond’s retirement years were spent enjoying life; traveling, being active in his ministry, watching his beloved OSU Buckeyes, ushering for the OSU games, providing rides to church for elderly parishioners, walking daily on the senior track at the Westerville Community Center,and, most of all, spending time with his granddaughter. Sophia was long-awaited and his only grandchild, and, along with grandma Shirley, they enjoyed many happy times together, usually every week. He was active in many pursuits until his health failed in the last few years.

Ray is survived by his wife, Shirley V. Stutler, originally from West Virginia; sister, Mary Jane Birthiscel; daughter, Teresa (Jorge) Polo and granddaughter Sophia Polo of Gahanna.

The family will receive friends 4:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at ADVANTAGE FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES BY SCHOEDINGER - NORTH, 5554 Karl Rd., Columbus, 43229. Funeral service will be held Thursday July 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at CROSSROADS BAPTIST CHURCH, 5075 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43231 at 10:00 a.m. Reception will follow at the church after interment, and all are welcome to attend.