Althy Mae Ray

Mrs. Althy Mae Grace Ray, age 91, of Decatur, Alabama passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. Her visitation will be on Saturday June 29th from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Roselawn Funeral Home. Her Celebration of Life service will begin at 12:00 PM in the chapel of the funeral home. Pastor Dave Massa is officiating. She will be laid to rest at Burningtree Memorial Gardens.

Althy is survived by her sons, Robert Odis Ray, and Ricky Eugene and wife Sandy Ray, along with a multitude of grandkids and great-grandkids.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Wilfred Earl Ray, son, Thomas Edwin Ray, son, Roy Earl Ray, mother, Emma Lue Beck, father, Oslo Abrem and her grandparents and granddaughter Carrie Nacole Ray.

Althy Mae Grace Ray entered this world on November 2nd, 1932, in a small town in Alabama, born into a life of simplicity that would be marked by profound love and unwavering dedication. From a young age, Althy developed a strong work ethic, standing alongside her parents in their store and restaurant by the time she reached fifth grade.

In 1948, she embarked on a beautiful journey of love and commitment, marrying Wilfred Earl Ray, the love of her life. Together, they cherished their favorite adventure—parenthood—welcoming their greatest loves: Thomas Edwin Ray, Roy Earl Ray, Robert Odis Ray, and Ricky Eugene Ray.

As a mother, Althy excelled with unparalleled devotion, always putting her family first. She sacrificed her own meals to ensure her children never went without, and she moved mountains to fulfill their every need. Althy's resourcefulness was legendary; she took on extra washing and ironing to provide for her children, and her "Friday's surprise dinner," crafted from leftovers, became a beloved tradition that brought joy and comfort to all who gathered around her table.

The Rays also opened Ray's Crafts, where they created exquisite woodwork that adorned the lives of their loved ones. These years were filled with laughter, lessons, and above all, boundless love and guidance. When the shop eventually closed, Althy selflessly set aside her craft to care for her aging mother, exemplifying her kindness and dedication as a daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother.

In her later years, Althy found immense joy in witnessing her children embrace parenthood with the same care and trust she instilled in them. Becoming "Maw Maw Ray" brought her a love that rivaled any other, filling her days with warmth and fulfillment. She delighted in the companionship of her beloved pet goats, whose antics brought daily laughter and joy into her life.

Even in moments of challenge, Althy displayed remarkable strength and resilience, overcoming obstacles and remaining the steadfast pillar of her family. In her final days, surrounded by the love of her family, Althy Mae Grace Ray departed this world, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and unwavering devotion that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

May her memory be a blessing, and may her spirit of love and selflessness live on in the hearts of those who loved her dearly.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks and deep gratitude to Joyce Marsh for her exceptional care and dedication to Mrs. Ray, surpassing her duties as a caregiver.

Pallbearers will be Justin Carrington, Ricky Darrel Ray, Ashley Ray, Cory Ray, Preston Dilbeck, and Nicholas Vaughn