RAY, Ella Seeley
Source: Kingman Star Friday, November 4, 1949
Mrs. Ella Seeley Ray, wife of Isaac Ray, died at her home Monday, October 31, 1949 at 3:45 a.m. after an extended illness, aged 75. She was born in Liberty Township January 27, 1874 and married Isaac Ray on March 8, 1893, who survives with two children, Dolph Roy, local letter carrier and Mrs. Dorothy Swaim of Evansville; two grandsons and one great granddaughter; also one sister, Mrs. Nellie Manwaring of Chicago Heights and two brothers, Mike Seeley of Hillsdale and Edgar Seeley of Montezuma, with several nieces and nephews.
Source: Kingman Star Friday, November 11, 1949
Once more death has entered our community and we have lost a friend. Mrs. Ella Seeley Ray, daughter of John G. and Emma Seeley, aged 75 years, 9 months and 4 days, born in Liberty Township January 27, 1874, answered the call to enter her Heavenly Home at 3:45 Monday morning, October 31, 1949.
She was one of a family of six children who were bereft of a father by death early in life, and was the child chosen to live with her Grandmother Riley, who reared her in paths of righteousness, industry, honesty and thrift which she followed her entire life. Ella received the education of her generation and in young womanhood taught several terms of spring and summer school. She was married to Isaac Ray at Howard on March 8, 1893, and six years ago they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Two children came into the home, Dolph and Dorothy, to whom their mother gave whole hearted unending care. Mrs. Ray’s life was passed in the township of her birth excepting a short time in Danville, Illinois and 15 years in Veedersburg. While living there, she became a member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church, to which she always remained faithful, serving in many different departments of the church and as superintendent of the Sunday School. Also while there she joined Valletta Chapter of the Eastern Star. Mrs. Ray, being the daughter of a Civil War soldier, was intensely patriotic, and was a charger member of Erwin’s Women’s Relief Corps, also a charter member of Howard Ladies Aid, which a few years ago under her able leadership, celebrated it 50 year anniversary of service. She was a member of Pythian Sisters and Royal Neighbors, always doing her utmost to make a success of every undertaking. By our works are we judged and Mrs. Ray was recently described as a wonderful organizer and a splendid writer.
In 1923, Mr. and Mrs. Ray decided to return to the community of their youthful days. They purchased the Cheezem homestead and started a fruit business which grew and prospered until it was noted for many miles. As Ella had the rare quality of meeting strangers to make into friends, she became an excellent salesman and was a splendid help to her husband. But best of all was her real Christian life. Many times has her voice been lifted in earnest prayer and many errands of duty and mercy were made. All is now written in the dust of time and the unchangeable Book of Life.
She is survived by her husband, who gave her her devoted care; her son, Dolph, and her daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Swaim, both their mother’s pride; two grandsons, James and Richard Ray, a little great granddaughter, Patricia Lou Ray; her youngest sister, Nellie Manwaring; two brothers, Mike and Edgar Seeley; nieces and nephews; other relatives and unnumbered friends. – S&E