Barbara Ellen Raley

She will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. All who knew her loved her. She was born on August 25, 1945, in Jefferson City, Missouri to Edward and Mary Ione Thomson. Barbara graduated from Prembel High School in 1963. She married William “Bill” Raley on December 28, 1963. Barbara and Bill were married for 60 years before he passed in June of 2024. Barbara’s, aka “Baba,” biggest joys were her kids, grandchildren, and great-grandsons.

Barbara graduated top of her class in nursing school in 1972 where she went on to have a long and illustrious career in the medical field. Her remarkable career in the industry took off when she joined as one of the original nurses at what is now known as Medical City Plano Hospital. Her expertise and commitment propelled her to become a licensed physician assistant at Texas Back Institute and later, a key member of a team at St. Jude Medical, where she played a pivotable role in the development of groundbreaking medical devices.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Barbara was a passionate aviator and certified scuba diver. Her equestrian passion propelled her to become the National Reining Champion in 1962…a legacy she passed down two generations. She was a staunch supporter of each of her grandchildren and could often be found traveling to each of their sporting events.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband William, two brothers, and a sister. She is survived by her older sister, Carol Abbot, and her twin sister Beth Hilton. She is survived by her daughters Mari Raley, Beth (Peter) Fischer, and her son William (Stacy) Raley Jr. She has four grandchildren: Katie (Justin) Stephens, Hunter Raley, Cassidy Raley, and Hannah Raley Fischer. She also has two great-grandsons: Grant and Luke Stephens. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.