Mattie Belle Ray

Mattie Belle Noel Ray, 102, of Georgetown, Texas, went to be with her beloved Lord Jesus Christ on January 14, 2022.  Mattie Belle committed her heart to the Lord and lived life fully in pursuit of His glory.  Those who knew her well are certain that she was greeted in heaven with the words “well done my good and faithful servant.”

Mattie Belle was born November 24, 1919 in Gunsight, Texas to her parents Georgie and James Noel.  She attended high school in Plainview, Texas.  She was a voracious reader, excelled in music and mathematics, and graduated at age 16 ranking fifth in her class for her academic accomplishments.  Mattie Belle attended Wayland Baptist College in Plainview and completed her teaching degree at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas.  She and Troy Ray, Sr. married in October 1939.  Troy enlisted in the U S. Coast Guard during WWII, and his tour of duty took them to Louisiana, New York City and Virginia until his discharge.   They eventually settled in Friona, Texas where Troy farmed and Mattie Belle taught in kindergarten and elementary schools.  Mattie recounted in later years her immense love of teaching and fondness for all of her students.

In retirement Mattie Belle and Troy traveled throughout North America in their Airstream trailer and experienced many wonderful adventures.  As a gifted pianist, Mattie Belle often shared her joy of music with others during church services or for entertainment.  She taught line dancing to seniors into her nineties and excelled at card games with her competitive and shrewd playing even after she turned 100!   Mattie Belle’s kindness and wonderful sense of humor also made it easy for so many people to care about her.   She was a deeply spiritual person and always tried to brighten the days of everyone she met.

Mattie Belle was preceded in death by her husband Troy Ray, Sr., her brothers James Noel and Leon Noel., and her son-in-law Robert Atwood.  She is survived by her children, Troy Ray Jr. (spouse Carol), Carol Ray Atwood and Robert Ray: grandchildren: Lori Palmer (spouse, Mark), Amy Wipf (spouse, Mike), Cindee (spouse Todd), Ron Brown (spouse, Deb), Angela Atwood, Melissa Atwood (spouse, Rick), Stephanie Atwood (spouse, Chuck), and many nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Legacy Senior Living (now Truewood by Merrill Gardens) and the Platinum Resort Assisted Living in Georgetown, Texas who lovingly cared for Mattie Belle during her final years.

A celebration of Mattie Belle’s life will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at 2:00 P.M. in the Gabriels Funeral Chapel .  The family will have a private interment in Gunsight, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to either Faith in Action Georgetown (https://www.faithinactiongt.org/give ) or ROCK in Georgetown (https://rockride.org/ ).