Marian J. (Stiles) Ray, 75, went home to be with the Lord January 17, 2010. Born in Morgantown, West Virginia, she lived in the Akron area since 1973.Mrs. Ray was a graduate of Franklin High School in Reisterstown, Maryland, Morgantown Business College in Morgantown, West Virginia and attended classes at the University of Akron. Marian also worked as an executive and private secretary in various companies during her married life including seventeen years at the University of Akron in the English and English Language Institute Departments. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend who always put the needs of her family above her own. She loved the Lord first and her life of service to the Lord reflected that. She was also a devoted pastor's wife of Rev. Michael E. Ray for many years at churches in Sandusky and Akron, Ohio and served as the Ladies Auxiliary President and church secretary-treasurer for both churches. She was also a member of River of Life Church in Akron, Ohio. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Rev. Michael E. Ray; son, Nathan (Laurie) Ray; daughter, Sonja Ray; grandchildren, Heidi, Amber, Michael and Madison; sisters, Avonelle Shook, Joetta Moore, Kay Helmick and Judy Fumich; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. A special thanks to all of the doctors, nurses and staff of T2ICU, T3ICU, and Six West of Akron City Hospital for all of your dedicated, professional and loving service to our wife, mom, and grandma. The funeral service will be Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 11 a.m., at the Eckard Baldwin Sanctuary Chapel, 760 E. Market Street with Pastor Bill Howe officiating. Interment is at East Liberty Cemetery. CALLING HOURS WILL BE HELD TODAY FROM 4 TO 7 P.M.
