Ray Terry, 90

It is with profound sorrow that we announce that Ray Lonnie Terry passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 24, 2024, after a very brief illness.
Ray was born on October 25, 1933, in a small country home nestled in Glen Elder, Kansas. When he graduated from Glen Elder High School in 1951, he answered the call of duty, enlisting in the United States Air Force. Ray was first stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas, where he embarked on a path of service and dedication. It was during this time that he married his beloved high school sweetheart, Loretta, affectionately known by him as Lettie. While stationed at Lackland, the couple welcomed their first child, Michael Ray.
After Ray's second assignment in Okinawa, Japan, his journey with the Air Force led him to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. It was during this time that their second child, Pamela Kay, joined the family. Subsequently, they returned to Wichita, Kansas, where Ray served at McConnell Air Force Base and welcomed their youngest child, DeAnne Marie. In 1962, the family relocated to Shreveport, Louisiana, where Ray was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base for several years.
Among all his assignments, the most memorable chapter of Ray's career unfolded when his family was assigned to Ankara, Turkey. Amidst the enchanting backdrop of the Middle East, the Terry family embarked on extraordinary adventures that created lifelong memories. After their first year there, and as summer break beckoned, the Terry family embarked on a memorable journey across Europe and the Middle East. Ray cleverly converted a VW Van into a mobile home and the family slept in a tiny 5-person tent and quite often right next to ancient ruins. They visited many countries including Switzerland, Austria, Romania, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Germany, Israel (Bethlehem and Jerusalem), Syria, Jordan, Italy, and Greece. These cherished memories stand as a testament to Ray's adventurous spirit and the love that painted their travels.
Upon their return to the United States in 1967, the Terry family found a sense of stability at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, where they planted roots until Ray's retirement in 1972. Following his service in the Air Force, Ray embarked on a new chapter, spending five years at Anheuser-Busch until all his children graduated from high school.
In 1977, Ray and his family returned to their hometown of Glen Elder, Kansas, where they took over the family farm. Alongside farming duties, Ray took on a role at Farmway Co-op, delivering fuel to local farmers for a decade until he embraced retirement in its truest sense. In 2003, they were finally able to build their dream home in the town of Glen Elder. Retirement marked the dawn of a new passion for Ray as he delved into genealogy. Serving as President of the Cawker City Genealogy Society, he poured his heart into unraveling family histories, meticulously crafting family trees for countless families in Mitchell and Jewell County, Kansas. Ray found immense joy in helping visitors reconnect with their lineage by guiding them through the cemeteries to unearth the stories of their lost ancestors.
Preceding Ray in death was his wife of 65 years, Loretta Gail Terry (Loomis); son, Michael Ray Terry; brother, Robert Terry; sister-in-law, Dee Terry; sister-in-law, Marie Terry; sister-in-law, Carol Stover; and brother-in-law, John Stover.
Ray is survived by his children, Pamela Kay Zell, DeAnne Marie Fiorini (Peter), and his daughter-in-law Mona Terry; his eight grandchildren, Ryan Zell (Kaki), Geremie Fiorini (Allisia), Brandon Zell (Nicole), Alexis Hokenstrom (Sean), Jessica Conrow (Chris), and Morgan Terry; eight great-grandchildren, Hudson, Gianna, Rocco, Blake, Violet, Krew, Archer, and Luca; two brothers, Roger Terry (Lynda) and Ron Terry.
Ray was a bright spark in this world and his absence leaves a deep ache in our hearts. He'll be dearly missed by all who were lucky enough to know his warmth and kindness.
Funeral services will be at 10 AM Friday, March 29, at the Glen Elder Christian Church.
Visitation will be from 1 PM to 7 PM, with family present from 5 PM to 6 PM Thursday, March 28, at the Roberts Family Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Kansas Honor Flight, the Cawker City Genealogical Society, or the Glen Elder Christian Church.
Roberts Family Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be left at www.robertsfamilyfs.com

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