Raymond J. "Ray" Waltenbaugh

Ray left every single encounter he ever had with the other party feeling heard, cared for and valued. Given the dynamic changes in his professional life and subsequent relocations, one might think old friends were left behind. Not true. As he moved from manual labor to a research center, to a regional manufacturing leader and ultimately a global executive, he gathered new friends at every step of the way.

In every aspect of his life, he made sure that all were treated with justice: in his work, his home, his family and his actions. He picked up the phone to stay connected with those far away, flung his door open to local friends and found a way to maintain relationships. His ability to guide the next generation and the one after that often required simply great listening and one or two pointed questions.

The greatest gift he left behind was that his kids and grandkids, like him, do not see any difference between the ones who wash cars, mow lawns and haul goods and the presidents of corporations.

Ray loved God, Ethel, family and golf. He and Ethel met in 1950 and have been inseparable since. He was a dedicated man; 70+ years of marriage; a lifetime in the Methodist Church and 30+ years in the same golf league. He has been a father for over 60 years and never fell off that pedestal for his wife or his family.

He lived by a simple motto: “Keep It Simple” exemplified in his voice mail message:

“This is Ray. Leave a message. I’ll get back to you.” And until April 4, 2023, he always did.

Ray was born on June 3, 1931 in Freeport, Pennsylvania, son of Ralph Elmer and Sarah Elizabeth (nee Trithart) Waltenbaugh. A proud veteran, Ray served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955, and served aboard the destroyer, U.S.S. Corry.

Following his military service, Ray attended Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, and eventually joined Thyssenkrupp-Presta, retiring as President in 1996. Following retirement, he served as a consultant for the company until 2013.

He leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife Ethel Louise (nee Harmon); children Pamela Waltenbaugh and her husband Dana Lattimer, Cynthia Waltenbaugh Hutchison and her husband Joseph, and Drew Waltenbaugh and his wife Carol; grandchildren Amanda Glass, Julia Ocheltree and her husband Steve, Serina McGregor, Kevin Kidder, Harper Kidder, Jordan Kidder, Addison Hutchison, Wesley Hutchison, Josef Waltenbaugh, Janna Waltenbaugh and her husband Bradley Nash, Ashley Hutchison and family, Brit Hutchison and family, and Charity Hutchison; Great Grandchildren Toby and Taylor Glass, and Sasha Ocheltree. Ray is also survived by his sisters-in-law Carolyn and Donna Waltenbaugh.

In addition to parents, he was preceded in death by his Brothers Arment (Ros) Waltenbaugh, Philip (Marilyn) Waltenbaugh, Melville Waltenbaugh and Howard Waltenbaugh; and a granddaughter Cassandra Carolla.

The family will receive friends Friday, April 14, from 3 to 8 pm at the Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Drive in Rochester.

The Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 15, 11 am at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 620 Romeo Street in Rochester. Rev. Elbert Dulworth and Rev. Jeffrey Regan will officiate. Visitation at the church from 10:30 a.m. until service.

For those unable to attend the church service, you are invited to share in the celebration of Ray's life on line at https:www.facebook.com/stpaulsrochester/

Inurnment will be private at Van Hoosen Jones – Stoney Creek Cemetery in Rochester Hills.

If desired, memorials may be made to the Lions Club (www.rochesterlionsclub.org) or the Rochester Businessmen’s Golf League. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church.