Janice Lynn Ray

A service for Janice Lynn Ray was held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines. Visitation was from 9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday. Hastings Funeral Home in Perry was in charge of making arrangements. Rev. Scott Paczkowski of the Westminster Presbyterian Church provided words of comfort. Honorary bearers were: Justin Ray, Sabrina Ray, Haley Ray, Maisy Ray, Jacen Ray, Josie Bousman, Kaylynn Bousman and Madeline Butterfield. Cindy Ray was the pianist. Recorded music: You'll Never Walk Alone, When I Get to Where I'm Going, and Go Rest High on That Mountain. Following the service was a luncheon at the church. Interment will take place at Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry at a later date. Janice Lynn Ray, daughter of Lester Lee Decker and Minnie Pearl Jones Decker, was born August 20, 1945 in Indianola, Iowa and died July 19, 2013 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 67. Janice was currently living at Plymouth Place. Janice grew up in Promise City, Iowa with her brother Kenneth and sister Elaine. She later graduated with a Business Degree from Centerville Junior College. She survived a car crash in 1969 and fought her way back from death with serious complications. Janice lived near Merle Hay Mall where she managed the employees cafeteria. She later moved to the Plaza downtown and worked for the Commission for the Blind and met Robert. Janice also worked at the Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown, Iowa and was an Underwriter for Travelers Insurance Company in Des Moines. On December 7, 1974 Janice was united in marriage to Robert J. Ray. They had one son Marc and the family made their home in Beaverdale. Janice loved her family, her pets, and especially her grandchildren. She loved all people and they in turn all loved her. Janice involved her family in all her interests. She was a movie buff and you could often find her at her favorite theatre, being the Riverhills Downtown. When not at the theatre she enjoyed watching movies at home. Janice loved Elvis and his music. She liked to go out and have fun at Prairie Meadows and even hopping on a plane to Las Vegas. She enjoyed watching NASCAR with the late Dale Earnhardt being her favorite, she was an I Cubs fan, and especially enjoyed her membership at the Civic Center, with musicals being her favorite shows to attend. Janice was a Political Activist. Other memberships include the Westminster Presbyterian Church and the National Federation for the Blind. Janice was preceded in death by her parents Lester and Minnie Decker; her sister-in-law Meredith Decker and a niece, Lucinda Backaus. Janice is survived by her son Marc Alan Ray and his wife Misty of Perry, Iowa; grandchildren- Justin, Sabrina, Haley, Maisy and Jacen; brother Kenneth Decker (Kim) of Missouri; sister Elaine Boshart (Robert) of Kalona, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. www.hastingsfh.com