Cynthia Heath Ray

Cynthia Heath Ray, died on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at her residence in Austin, Texas. An inspiration to all who knew her, Cynthia faced declining health, fighting three types of cancer for several years. Her courage, spirited determination and strong faith brought comfort to her, her family and friends. Born to Mavis Barnett Heath and Judge William Womack (Bill) Heath in Austin, Texas in June, 1934; Cynthia attended Pease Elementary, University Jr. High, and Austin High School where she excelled at tennis. After graduation, she entered Hollins College in Roanoke, Virginia. Her sophomore year she enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin, where Cynthia was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and a Junior Helping Hand Debutante. Cynthia married Bert Franklin Ingels and had three daughters, Mavis, Melodie, and Julia. She returned to Austin with her daughters, in 1962 and immersed herself in her children's activities. Her love of nature and ranching was shared by her second husband, Dewey G. Ray, whom she married in 1966. They enjoyed more than twenty happy years in Big Spring, Texas, with their family and friends. The love of her life, Dewey Ray, predeceased her in 1993. In 1997, Cynthia returned to Austin where she happily reconnected with the Hubba-Hubbas and joined Nau's Lunch Bunch. As an active member of Tarrytown United Methodist Church, she enjoyed attending the Swift Sunday School Class and made many new friends. Cynthia also was a member of the Austin Assistance League. Her passions were reading, gardening, watching sports and traveling with friends and family. As an avid Texas Longhorn fan, she attended UT games with her children and grandchildren. She also loved being at the family ranch in the hill country. Cynthia was devoted to her friends and to her family. To the grandchildren she was affectionately known as "Honey". She enjoyed attending dance recitals, tennis matches, basketball games, football games, and graduations. Cynthia enjoyed hosting gatherings, and her bountiful table always was filled with wonderful food, beautiful flowers and warm hospitality. She was a charming, refined, Southern lady. Cynthia is survived by her daughter, Mavis Ray Griffith, and husband, Joseph F. Griffith, Dallas, and their children, Joseph Heath Griffith, Katherine Mavis Griffith and Guy Womack Griffith; her daughter, Melodie Ray King, and husband, Rhett King, Corinth, and their daughter, Natalie Ray King; her daughter, Julia Baines Ray, Austin; her daughter, Hanne Ray Overton, and husband, Dr. Phil Overton, Austin, and their daughter, Hanne-Lise Overton Parker, and her husband, Jay Parker, and their daughter, Morgan Leigh Parker, Park City, KS.; her son, Steven K. Ray, and wife Gloria Smith Ray, Conroe, and their daughter Christal Leigh Ray. Cynthia is survived by her sister, Linda Heath Nelson, and her husband, Schuler Nelson, Fort Worth, and their children Bill Hester, Dylan Hester, Jennifer Nelson Johnson and Mitchell Nelson. Also surviving Cynthia are her cousins, Will David Davis and his wife, Ann, Austin; Guy Hill Heath and his wife, Donna, New Braunfels, and James Neal Heath, Jr. and his wife Frieda, Longview. Honorary Pallbearers will be Will Davis, Roger Joseph, Hank McNamara, Shuler Nelson, Phil Overton, Steve Ray, and Charles Sikes. Serving as pallbearers will be Guy Womack Griffith, J. Heath Griffith, Joe Griffith, Guy Heath, Jim Heath, Bill Hester, Dylan Hester and Rhett King. Visitation will be held Friday, June 5th, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and then from 6:00-8:00 p.m. with family present, at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar. A celebration of life service will be held at Tarrytown United Methodist Church, 2601 Exposition, on Saturday, June 6th at 11:00 a.m. A service of Committal will follow at Austin Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be made in memory of Cynthia H. Ray to The Assistance League of Austin, The Tarrytown United Methodist Church or a charity of one's choice.