Charlotte Middlebrooks Ray

Charlotte was raised in southern Arkansas, where she met her beloved husband and partner, John L. Ray, in 1947, married in 1949, and spent 55 wonderful years with him. Their love for each other was a steadfast light throughout her life, and this love was shared with their four daughters, Mary, Becky, Jenny and Missy.

As the wife of a career military officer and university educator, Charlotte had her own career as the best mommy in the world, diplomat, bridge party hostess, Girl Scout leader, gourmet cook, camping guide, seamstress extraordinaire, wildlife expert, first aid provider, gardener and many, many other skills, all performed with perfection surrounded by endless love and joy.

Through countless moves around the U.S. and Europe, Charlotte made every house a comfortable, beautiful and loving home. She could accomplish anything she chose to do, and do it extraordinarily well.

When in her 40s, she returned to college to complete her bachelor's degree Cum Laude, and went on to obtain a Master's Degree with a 4.0 GPA.

Throughout her life, she was a devoted Christian woman and was a member of the caring community of University United Methodist Church.

Charlotte is survived by her loving and adoring husband, Johnny, and daughters Mary Overton and husband David Overton, DDS; Becky Holloway; Jenny Rosanbalm and husband Clifford Rosanbalm, and Melissa Isbell, MD and husband Patrick Isbell, MD. One of her most important gifts to us was to be the world's best Grandma to all of her grandkids: Stephanie and Glen Lewis Jenny, John Overton Mary, Rachel Holloway Becky, and Nicholas, Cassie, Sean and Kayla Isbell Missy. She is also survived by her brother, Charles and wife Mary Tom Middlebrooks and son Charles; sister Patricia Strickland and daughters Sharon Garrett and Cindy Strickland.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Charlotte's physicians, Dr. Emanuel DeNoia and Dr. Robert Shoumaker and Jesse, April, Carol and the other staff of Arden Courts for their concerned and compassionate care throughout Charlotte's illness.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, please address donations to the Alzheimer's Association Processing Center PO Box 84421, ST. Paul, MN 55164-0421.