Harriet Deigh Ray was born on October 2, 1936, to Eldridge and Dorothy Jones in Henrico County, VA, the second of five siblings, Jimmy, Lillian, Lamoine and Jackie. The family moved to Newport News, VA, and in her senior year of high school she met a handsome sailor, Joseph Ray. After a whirlwind courtship, she moved to Omaha, NE, to marry Joe, her husband for 57 years. They eventually moved to California where she lovingly raised eight children. Harriet had great faith in God and tremendous inner strength. She touched the hearts of many, was passionate about her beliefs, and always enjoyed a good debate. She also loved gardening, an occasional trip up the hill to gamble, playing Scrabble, and hosting the family during holidays. She passed away on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24, 2016, from complications that arose after her third battle with cancer. She will be forever in our hearts everyday but Thanksgiving will now always belong to Mom. Harriet is survived by her brother Jimmy; her daughter, Theresa Ray-Prandini and her husband Carlo; grandchildren, Chrissy Prandini-Wilken, Kyle Wilken, and Mark and Jenna Prandini; great grandchildren, McCoy and Maddox Wilken; son, Michael Ray and his wife Michelle; daughter, Mary Ray-O'Neil; grandchildren, Kevin and Katherine O'Neil; son, Greg Ray and his wife Kelly; grandchildren, Meghan, Annie, Michael and Kaitlyn Ray; son, Matt Ray; grandchildren, Josh and Olivia Ray; daughter, Patti Ray-Cullins and her husband Darren; grandchildren, John, Ashley and Emily Cullins; son, David Ray his wife Loraine; grandchildren, Bella, Joseph and Juliana; daughter, Sarah Ray-Hayes and her husband Brendan; and grandchildren, Haylie and Ella. A Recitation of the Holy Rosary and a Memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church on Thursday, December 1, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the Ray family requests to make charitable donations to Hinds Hospice; or Right to Life of Central California. Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns and Blair Funeral Home, 1525 East Saginaw Way, Fresno, California (559)227-4048
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