Ernest Ralph Ray

Ernest Ralph Ray, age 92, of New Dawn Health Care Center, died Tuesday, March 31, 2009, in Union Hospital at Dover.A son of the late Irwin L. and Algie (Hull) Ray, Ernie was born on January 11, 1917, at Carrollton.Ernie was a 1935 graduate of Carrollton High School. On June 8, 1940, he married the love of his life, the former Evelyn Spahr. Together the couple shared sixty-eight years of marriage and reared two children. Shortly after his marriage, Ernie was drafted into the United States Army where he served his country during World War II. For his service he was decorated with the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. Following his return home, Ernie began working at Joy Manufacturing at New Philadelphia and held a career which lasted until his retirement in 1979. Following retirement, Ernie enjoyed spending many hours a day working on crossword puzzles and visiting with friends and family.Additionally, Ernie was a long time member of the First Christian Church at New Philadelphia.In addition to his wife, Ernie is survived by a son, Richard (Silvia) Ray of New Philadelphia; a daughter, Anita Kniphuisen of Monroe, New York; Six grandchildren, Sonia (Josh) Walker, Nicholas Ray, both of New Philadelphia, Richard Kniphuisen of Avondale, Arizona, Raymond (Theressa) Kniphuisen, Jr. of Midlothian, Virginia, Daniel (Martha) Kniphuisen of San Diego, California, and Christopher (Mary) Kniphuisen of Tucson, Arizona.Two great-grandchildren, David and Cara Kniphuisen of Midlothian, Virgnia and numerous nieces and nephews complete the family.In addition to his parents, Ernie was preceded in death by three brothers, Herman Ray, Merle Ray, and Lester Ray; as well as a son-in-law, Raymond Kniphuisen, Sr.The family will receive friends in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Friday, April 3, 2009, from 6:00 â?? 8:00 PM. Pastor Jim Borton will lead a service celebrating Ernie’s life in the First Christian Church at New Philadelphia on Saturday, April 4, 2009, at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow in the Sherrodsville Memorial Gardens at Sherrodsville. Following the committal the family will return to the fellowship hall of the First Christian Church at New Philadelphia where a meal will be shared.The family requests that memorial contributions in Ernie’s name be made to the First Christian Church, PO Box 474, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.