George Ray Litke

Ray was born on June 11, 1931, in Richards, Colorado, to Gottlieb and Allie Litke. He was one of six children in a beautifully blended family where faith, hard work, and love laid the foundation for a life well lived. He graduated from Campo High School in Campo, Colorado, before answering the call to serve his country in the United States Air Force, where he served honorably for four years.

After his military service, Ray moved to Wichita, Kansas, where he began a 35-year career with Boeing. While work was important, his greatest priorities were his faith and his family. It was at Wichita Baptist Tabernacle that God brought him the love of his life, Peggy Ruth Mallard. They were blessed with 63 wonderful years of marriage and together built a Christ-centered home, raising three children and leaving a legacy of faith that continues through the generations.

Ray was a quiet man of unwavering character whose life reflected his love for Jesus. He believed in keeping his word, working hard, serving others, and loving his family well. He found joy in the simple blessings of life—tending his garden, spending hours working puzzles, and never missing an opportunity to lovingly torment his sisters, something they would all laugh about for years. His ornery humor and playful teasing were part of what made him so dearly loved.

One of Ray's greatest passions was the work of the Gospel around the world. He had a tremendous heart for foreign missions, and he and Peggy faithfully supported missionaries through prayer, encouragement, and hospitality. Their home was always open, and they delighted in welcoming missionaries to share a home-cooked meal around their table. They loved listening to stories of how God was working in distant places and considered it a privilege to play a small part in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Whether spending time with family, encouraging others through his steady example, or faithfully serving his church, Ray pointed those around him toward God's goodness. His life was marked by humility, generosity, faithfulness, and an abiding trust in the Lord. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to bear fruit for generations.

Ray is survived by his siblings, Don and Nancy Davison, Joyce Moses, Kay and Ferdinand Garcia, and Tom and Diana Litke; his children, Sherry and Jim Worley, Doug and April Litke, and Robert and Melissa Litke; his grandchildren, Tim and Michelle Worley, Angela and Keith Petersen, Jeremy and Danielle Litke, Megan Litke and Jared Alvarez, Ben and Mariah Litke, Shamica and Jonathan Sanon, and Sara Litke; ten great-grandchildren and one on the way.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Peggy Ruth Litke; his parents, Gottlieb and Allie Litke; his bonus mother, Cleo Miller Litke; and his sister, Nellie Deweese.

The family rejoices knowing that Ray has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” and is now reunited with Peggy and those who have gone before him in faith. Though he will be deeply missed, his family and friends find comfort in God's promise that those who are in Christ do not grieve as those who have no hope, looking forward to a joyful reunion that awaits.

Visitation: Sunday, July 12, 2026, 4:00–6:00 p.m., Hillside Funeral Home, 2929 W. 13th Street, Wichita, KS 67203.

Celebration of Life: Monday, July 13, 2026, 10:00 a.m., Friendship Baptist Church, 2209 E. Pawnee Street, Wichita, KS.

Interment: White Chapel Memorial Gardens, 1806 N. Oliver, Wichita, KS.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Manna Worldwide, 3000 Wingate Street, Fort Worth, TX 76107, or online at mannaworldwide.com. Ray's lifelong heart for sharing the Gospel around the world made this ministry especially meaningful to him.

To God alone be the glory for a life faithfully lived, a family deeply loved, and a Savior faithfully followed.