Ray R Whitlatch

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Raymond R. Whitlach, 70 of West Des Moines. Husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and coworker – Ray passed at home on February 29th, 2024. A visitation will be held Thursday, March 7, 2024, from 1 - 3 p.m. at McLaren's Resthaven Chapel, with a celebration of life service at 3 p.m.

Ray was born in Des Moines, Iowa on January 23rd, 1954 to Gladys Piper and Russell Whitlatch. He graduated from Carlisle High School and lived in central Iowa all his life. Married previously, he met Jane (Jeanette) Freeman in 1991 and they remained together until his passing.

In his working life, Ray had an eclectic array of roles and responsibilities that spanned from the food industry to construction and oversight of rental properties – but his longest and most recent employment was with Walmart, where he worked for over 15 years. At the time of his passing, he was actively employed at the store in Windsor Heights as an Automotive Technician.

An avid lover and supporter of animals, Ray had many pets – most notably: cats Bitty and Baby, and a favorite of his current pets, German Shepard, Sheeba. However, his affection for animals did not stop with his own as he was fond of meeting new furry friends, visiting pets of family members and friends, and watching animal-related shows and documentaries. Ironically, his love for animals was reciprocated as all animals he came into contact with quickly took to Ray in return.

At different points of his life, he enjoyed fishing and was a passionate car & motorcycle enthusiast. Ray enjoyed the occasional casino trip, computer card games, classic rock (especially Queen) and following animal support groups on social media. Well known for his warm smirk-like smile, sarcastic sense of humor, and endless willingness to help those in need and care for those he loved, Ray will be greatly missed by everyone who had the chance to get to know him.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Steven Allen Whitlatch (brother), Marcy Whitlatch (sister), and step-granddaughter, Kailey Pearson. Survived and mourned by Jane Freeman, Mona Riddiford (sister), Lanny Whitlatch (brother), Mike and Kathy Whitlatch (brother), Thora Whitlatch (sister), Don and Michelle Whitlatch (brother), bonus children Elizabeth Morales (Chuck) and Bradley Freeman (Jennifer), 8 grandchildren (Brandon Peterson, Amanda Waseskuk, Joseph Freeman, Brendan (BJ) Freeman, Adam Pearson, Coraline Peterson, Zachary Freeman, and Kyleigh Elias), soon to be 2 great grandchildren (Xander and BABY Freeman), and multiple nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.

The family kindly requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a smaller, local animal rescue/support organization of your choice in memory of Raymond Whitlatch.

A devoted partner, family member, and friend – Ray will be remembered and missed forever. May he rest in peace until we see him again.