Melody Louise Ray

Melody Louise Ray, 78, of Wellston, Ohio, sadly passed away April 1, 2024 at her residence following an extended illness. Melody was born on May 14, 1945 to the late Roy and Caroline Wade Spires. She was a graduate of Wellston High School, which is where she met her late husband, Francis L. Ray, Sr. The couple wed in 1962 and welcomed three children, Melissa “Missy” Wilson (Mike), Francis “Bub” Ray, Jr. (Cassi), and Stephen “Greg” Ray (Robin). She took intense pride in being a devoted home maker, and cared for her family tirelessly until her children were grown. She then began her career at Mead Paper Company, where she remained until her retirement. Melody was also known as “Granny,” not just to her grandchildren, but to many adults in her life as well, due to her welcoming and caring nature. She could always be counted on for excellent advice, a shoulder to cry on, and freshly homemade cookies. Aptly named, Melody had a singsong voice which brightened any room she entered. That, paired with her quick sense of humor, made her the heart of every gathering she hosted in her home. While Melody was always very modest about her abilities, she was a prolific baker and her apple pies were once judged to be the best in the entire state at the Ohio State Fair. She could be found in her flower garden on nearly any warm day, and she loved motorcycle rides and watching the sunset with her husband from their favorite spot on their farm. Her other favorite place was the beach, where she enjoyed many trips with her family over the years. No matter the endeavor, Melody was always there to lend a hand when her family needed her, whether it was helping with a business venture, a building project. There has never been a more supportive wife, mother, or grandmother, and her presence is already very deeply missed. Left to cherish her memory are her three children, her grandchildren Chelsea Ray, Justin Wilson, Ashley Phillips, Hillary Kinzie, Brandi Searles, Cody Ray, and Mary Zinn, and great-grandchildren Alaina, Melody, Isabelle, August, Daisy, Skyler, Morgan, Beckett, Harper, Lakelyn, Theodore, Ada, Marlowe, and Silas. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Stephen and Mary Faith Spires, and many nieces and nephews. The family would also like to extend special thanks to her caregiver, Regina, who helped us immensely over the past months. Melody was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and one brother, Daniel Spires (Janice). Services for Melody Ray will be held at 12PM Mayhew-Brown funeral home in Jackson, Ohio on Saturday April 6, 2024. The family will receive two hours prior to the service from 10AM-12PM. Graveside services will occur later, at the convenience of the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mayhew-brownfuneralhome.com

Melody Louise Ray

May 14, 1945 - April 1, 2024