"I thought it was so great to see my cousins when I was a little kid because that meant I got to see my aunt Carol and uncle Ray. Uncle Ray gave all of us some of the greatest moments of laughter ! Memories to this day that make me smile ! I loved the looney tune characters that he made for Rod Tracy & Jon. May Gods arms hold you until we hear your laugh again ! Our Love and Hugs are with you Aunt Carol, Rod, Tracy & Jon. Bill & Irina "
In loving memory of
Raymond "Ray" Dee Armentrout
June 3, 1936 - September 4, 2022
Raymond "Ray" Dee Armentrout, 86, of Collins, Iowa passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, September 4, 2022. A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 8, from 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. at the Collins Christian Church in Collins. His funeral service will immediately follow and begin at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Scott Jones officiating. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery in Collins, Iowa.
Ray was born on June 3, 1936, to Ancel and Bertha (Jensen) Armentrout in rural Fiscus, Iowa. Ray always had an artistic ability and was well known for his drawing from a young age. He attended Audubon High School and graduated with the class of 1954. Following school, he enlisted in the National Guard and worked at a local gas station. Ray married the love of his life Karol Parrott on June 5, 1956, in Exira, Iowa. They moved to Ankeny and began their family together. Ray began working for Thermagas as their Ad Director. In 1970, Karol and Ray moved to a farm south of Collins. They raised lambs and hogs. Ray started his own company, Ag Arm Advertising in 1982 and remained there until he retired in 2016. He was a member of the Collins Christian Church, where he served as a Deacon for many years, and the Lions Club.
Ray was a fantastic father and often would turn his living room into a football field or a basketball court to play with the boys. He loved spending time with his wife, kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Ray also enjoyed talking to strangers, golfing, the Hawkeyes, the Bears, the Chiefs, and the Bengals.
Those left to cherish his loving memory are his wife of 66 years Karol; sons Rodney (Deanna) Armentrout of Schaumburg, IL, Tracy (Becky) Armentrout of Kansas City, KS, and Jon (Kristy) Armentrout; grandchildren Benjamin, Bridget, Erik, and Anya; great-grandchild Bentley; brother Donald (Helen) Armentrout; sister Gloria (Lyle) Campbell; many nieces and nephews; many cousins; and close friends.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Collins Christian Church or the Collins Fire Department.
Fredregill Funeral & Cremation Care has been entrusted with the care of Ray and his family.
Tributes
"I worked with Ray at Thermogas and his artistic talent was amazing. I still have the cartoon card he made me when I left. He was a joy to work with and his laugh was infectious! My heartfelt blessings to his family. Beth Johnson (then my last name was Stuart)"
"Ray and Carol together were great source of our encouragement and support to Angi and I during our time there in Collins many years ago now. I will always be grateful for the role these two wonderful Christian people played in our ministry. They were an example in their love for each other, their family, their church and their community. Two of the best we've come across over the years. Thankful to God for them both! "
"carol you and your family have had to many wonderful years with ray i am so thankful he is now in such a wonderful place may he RIP rodger and verlie"