Obit: Ray, Marian Elizabeth (1922 - 2019)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Ray, Kosmosky, Carl, Giordano, Koppert

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 4/24/2019

Ray, Marian Elizabeth (18 April 1922 – 21 April 2019)

Mrs. Marian E. Ray, age 97, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2019 at the Neillsville Care and Rehab Center.

Marian Elizabeth Carl was born on April 18, 1922 in Marshfield, to Art and Mary (Kosmosky) Carl. She was raised in Neillsville, and graduated Neillsville High School in 1940. Marian worked as a bookkeeper and clerk at the former Farmer’s Store and the Penney’s store in Marshfield.

Marian attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She started her teaching career at the Christie Mound School and Riverside School, both one-room schools. She went to teach 7th and 8th Grade math and science in Fairchild, and in 1962 she moved to Neillsville where she taught 1st Grade for 25 years retiring in May of 1984. Marian loved teaching and her students loved her.

Marian married Sam Ray on August 17, 1946 at St. Vincent DePaul church in Milwaukee. Sam and Marian had one child, Sherri, who was born on December 25, 1947.

She was a member of the Wisconsin Education Association, Clark County Historical Society, Kiwanis and the Clark County Homemakers. Marian was also a member of the united Church of Christ and was actively involved in the UCC ladies aid, sewing group and card-making group until her health declined. She was a member of the Wisconsin Order of the Eastern Star, serving as both a worthy matron and grand deputy.

Marian is survived by many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Sam, in October 2001, and daughter, Sherri Giordano, in January 2012.

Funeral services for Marian will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at the United Church of Christ in Neillsville. Pastor Jacoba Koppert will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m., to 11:00 a.m., Wednesday morning prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Neillsville City Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the United Church of Christ, 515 W. 2nd St., Neillsville, WI 54456.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.  Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Marian’s family.