Obituary of Dorothy W. Ray

Dorothy W. Ray Sherrill-Dorothy W. Ray, age 94, a longtime resident of Allen Street entered into eternal rest Monday afternoon, July 24, 2017 in Oneida Healthcare Center with her loving family at her side. She was born on May 15, 1923 in Oneida, New York, a daughter of the late Walter G. and Lucie (Moot) Wilkinson and was a graduate of Stockbridge Valley Central School. Dorothy and Reginald L. Ray were united in marriage on September 7, 1946 in Gethsemane Episcopal Church of Sherrill and shared this sacred vow of over fifty-two years together until Mr. Ray's death on January 31, 1999. Prior to her retirement Dorothy was employed as a telephone operator with New York Telephone. She was an active member of Gethsemane Episcopal Church of Sherrill where she was a member of the Women of Gethsemane and was a former director of the Ecumenical Food Pantry, a program Dorothy and her husband Reginald were instrumental in getting started. She enjoyed time with her family, was very artistic, and was an avid painter. Surviving are one daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Larry Trexler of Sherrill, two sons and two daughters-in-law, John and Linda Ray of Oneida and Douglas and Lorie Ray of Sherrill, seven grandchildren, Kimberly (Corey) Alter, Amie (Will) Wagner, Jason (Suzie) Trexler, Megan Ray, Brian (Maryanne) Ray, Matthew Ray and Erinn (Brian) Maynard, fourteen great-grandchildren, one sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Clifford Watkins of Dewitt and several nieces and one nephew. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband Reginald L. Ray and brother, Walter Wilkinson. Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, July 27, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Malecki Funeral Home Inc., 464 Sherrill Rd., Sherrill, NY. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 28, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Gethsemane Episcopal Church, 320 Park Street, Sherrill, NY with Reverend Beverly Messenger-Harris celebrating. Burial will be in Valley View Cemetery, Oneida, New York. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Dorothy may be sent to The Food Pantry at Holy Family Church, 4343 Peterboro Street, Vernon, New York, 13476. Online condolences may be sent to maleckifuneralhome.com