Eva Maude (Reed) Ray

Eva Maude Ray, 89, passed away Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, in O’Fallon, Missouri.

Eva was born Oct. 18, 1934, in Chaonia, Missouri, to Robert Reed and Ida (Allison) Reed. Her family later settled in Poplar Bluff and Eva graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 1951.

In 1951 Eva married Charles Wright and, in this union, they had three children, Ruth Ann, Ron, and Renna.  After separation and return to Poplar Bluff, Eva was employed by Florsheim Shoe Company where she met the love of her life George Ray, who she married March 27, 1970.  In this union they had one child, Vicki, and remained married for 44 years until the time of his death.  In their union George adopted Renna.

In her fifties, Eva became an LPN and dearly loved taking care of all of her patients at Lucy Lee Hospital.  After her retirement she continued working PRN for several years.  Her final act of nursing was devotedly caring for her husband.  She was a long-time member of Little Brown General Baptist Church where she served others in various capacities.

She enjoyed working in her rose garden, she loved Elvis Presley, and going to bingo with her dear friend Sadie Sadler.  She cherished time spent with her family and helping whenever and wherever she could.  Eva will be remembered for her unwavering love, support, and care of others as well as her fiercely independent nature.  Her life was an example of sacrifice of self and service to others.

Eva was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Ida Reed, her husband George Ray, daughter Ruth Ann Wright, grandson Justin Gordon, sister Laura Jeffries, and a baby brother.  She is survived by her brother, Dan (Virginia) Reed of Poplar Bluff; her children, Ron (Patty) Wright of Grandin, Renna (Tommy) Gordon of Poplar Bluff, and Vicki (Bob) Strode of Wentzville; her stepchildren, Raymond (Kathy) Ray of Conway, George (Debbie) of Jacksonville, Arkansas, Diane (Danny) Hicks of Williamsville; her grandchildren, Lisa (Kenny) Zoll of Poplar Bluff, Beth Barton of Williamsville, Jami (David) Parker of Doniphan, Kara (Nick) Larson of Fairdealing, Jonathon Gordon of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Taylor Strode of Wentzville, Bryan Ray of Jacksonville, Becky (Angie) Ray of Jacksonville, Matt (Stephanie) Ray of Jacksonville, Amy Ray of Jacksonville, Jason (Stacey) Waite of Poplar Bluff, Erica (J.D. Wagoner) Waite of Poplar Bluff, 19 great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren and many extended family members.