"Dearest Judy.I heard of the passing of your father from my father.I don't know if you remember me but we went to high school together and had some fun times together.The pictures of your family brought back many memories.Your mother is as beauitful as she was years ago.I lost my Momma 2 years ago and my life will never be the same without her.Your father was very special to you too I remember.Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.Take care of your Mother and yourself.Kathleen Miller Harp"
In loving memory of
RAYMOND EARL "RAY" WHITING
July 17, 1931 - April 17, 2013
Raymond Earl "Ray" Whiting, age 81, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 10:56 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. Born on July 17, 1931 in Monterey, IN, he was the son of Earl and Mary (Ruschau) Whiting.
He graduated from Knox High School with the Class of 1949. He moved to LaGrange in 1968 and to Columbia City in 1973. He married Beverly J. Lewellyn on September 15, 1950 in Knox. Ray began his career with United Telephone Company as a lineman in Knox. After 40 years of service he retired in 1991 as District Manager from LaGrange and Columbia City. Ray was a member of the United Methodist Church and was a former firefighter with the Knox and LaGrange Fire Departments. He was a member of the Fur Takers of America, National Rifle Association and also a former member of both the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Beverly J. Whiting of Columbia City; 2 daughters, Judy (Jack) Moore of Columbia City and Jackie (Wayne) Stubbs, Elkhart; the pride and joy of his life were his grandchildren, Nicole Moore, Matt (Anna) Moore, Scott and Marcus Moore, Nicholas and Alec Stubbs and great granddaughters, Makenna Rae and Mya Moore; siblings including, Eleanor (Dan) Roscka of Knox; Howard (Sandy) Whiting of Michigan City; Vern (Phyllis) Whiting of Monterey; Betty Larva of Knox; Darlene (Dick) Ogel of Rochester; Pat Zobrist of Knox and Carole (Mel) Mahler of Plymouth. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, April 22, 2013 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service will follow calling at noon Monday at the funeral home with Pastor Thomas Beers of the Columbia City Church of the Nazarene officiating. Memorial bequests may be given in memory of Mr. Whiting to the American Heart Association. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
Tributes
"Dear family of Ray Whiting, I am sorry to hear of Ray"s passing.I worked with Ray for many years, and know him to be a kind and caring man.We are sorry too that we did not hear sooner of his illness and hospital stay.Beverly if we can help in any way please let us know.The Lord bless and give you comfort in the days ahead. Don and Grace Brown"
"Bev and family, Sorry to hear of Ray's passing, he was hard worker,community minded and a good family man. Bev we were so glad that both you and Ray attended my grandmother's 80th birthday a couple of years ago. We enjoyed talking about you working with her at the License Branch and about Ray's work times at United Telephone and as a fellow firefighter etc. He like so many others that have passed "they just don't make anymore". I want to tell you that my grandmother has been ill here lately and was not able to attend today as we were not able to either, but we are keeping you and the family in our thoughts and prayers. Dan,Melanie & Steven Dahms Laura Conrad Ryan Jo Dahms Gladys Wysong "
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Ray was a very thoughtful and caring person.We are very thankful for the times he went out of his way to help Ruth, when he could. A true blessing from God above. May God stand beside you all and help you through this very difficult time. Hang onto your precious memories. They are in your heart to stay and can not be taken away. Know God will keep Ray safe until you meet again on those beautiful streets of gold. God Bless Marsha and Milton Grabner"
"Dear Beverly and family-on behalf of Eric, Brian and myself, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. We have many fond memories of Ray and will always hold those close in our hearts. May God comfort you in the days ahead and be your source of strength."
"Beverly and family, so sorry to hear of Ray's passing.Jim has always said Ray was one of the "good guys". "
"Please know that we are very sorry to hear that Ray has passed. You are in our thoughts and prayers."
"Uncle Bud has always held a special place in our hearts.He will be missed beyond measure.Our love and prayers to Aunt Beverly and all the family."
"Dear Bev, Judy, Jackie and Families, You have lost a wonderful husband and father, and we have lost a dear and good friend. Don and I can truthfully say, we thank GOD for every remembrance of Ray. He leaves us with so many sweet memories. Our love and prayers are with each of you on the loss of your beloved Ray. A special person remembered...and a beautiful life honored. Our love and prayers, Don and Mary Jean "
"Dear Bev and Family, Our deepest condolences to you on the loss of Ray.He was a wonderful man and father.His friendship with our family will always be treasured.Please know we hold you in our hearts with love. God be with you and your family, Stephen and Dorinda Heiden-Guss"
"Bev-I am so sorry to hear of Ray's passing.Please know that you andyour family will be in my thoughts and prayers over the coming weeks. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, Id walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. Unknown Angie"
"FEATHERY PALM PLANT was sent by Jeff Clark and Family.In our thoughts "
"Our hearts and prayers are with you all.What a wonderful guy Ray was...his love for all of you was always so evident.We were blessed to come to know him.May God carry each of you as you share in precious memories...and cherish them in the days ahead.Judy, I love you dearly....and thank God for our blessed friendship.Praying you all through. Bob & Cheryl Schuman "
"Dear Beverly and family,so sorry to hear of Rays death,what a great guy he was.You are in my thoughts and prayers. Caroline"
"Dear Bev, I am so very sorry to see that your Wonderful husband has passed. Please know that you and your entire Family are in my thoughts and prayers. You were both always so very kind to me all of my life. What a wonderful couple you have always been. Ray will for sure be sadly missed by many."
"Beverly- So sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful Man, caring and so helpful and always a joy to be around.Sending prayers to you and your family...."
"Dearest Moore family: Our deepest sympathy to you and the rest of your family. Cherish your memories! Jack & Jane Helton"
"Dearest Beverly and family, We were shocked to hear of Ray's passing. We're asking for comfort and strength for you and your family and we pray that the Lord will eventuallygive you peace. Waiting to hear about arrangements so we can be there for you. Love and hugs to you."
"Thoughts and prayers go out to all of you in the loss of your husband, father and grandfather.May precious memories keep him close, until you meet again. "
"May each of you find courage to face tomorrow as you rest in the knowledge that we truly care about each of your needs and that we will walk beside you in your journey of grief. Randy Grimes and the Staff of DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home "