Samuel Raphael Ray passed away May 1, 2018 in Lawrence, Kansas at the age of 94.

Raphael was born in the Bitter Sweet community near Effingham, KS on April 27, 1924. He was next to the youngest of eleven children born to Eliga and Grace (Rodkey) Ray. Raphael’s mother died when he was 3 years old and was raised by his father and older siblings. Because his family moved a lot he attended numerous grade schools until they eventually settled on a farm west of Muscotah where he attended and graduated from Muscotah Grade School. Raphael graduated from Atchison County Community High School in Effingham, KS., participating in football, track, boxing and ping pong.

Raphael was a member of the Muscotah United Church and helped build the addition on the north side of the church. He was a member of the Elks Lodge in Hiawatha, Muscotah Masonic Lodge, and served as leader for the Rose Valley 4-H Club.

Raphael was a farmer first and foremost. He loved raising a good crop and his family taking pride in both.

Raphael married Beatrice Barnett on May 12, 1945. They celebrated 70 years of marriage before her death. Raphael and Bea lived for 60 years on the farm they moved to when they were first married. Raphael sold his farm ground in 2003. He and Bea remained in the farm house until they moved to Horton, KS in 2004. Raphael and Bea owned numerous motor homes and loved to travel. For several years he and Bea traveled to Arizona for the winters. In 2010 Raphael and Bea moved to Lawrence, KS to be near their daughter.

Besides traveling Raphael’s other favorite pastimes were playing cards and dancing.

Raphael was preceded in death by his wife Bea, his parents, an infant brother, sisters; Geneva Ferrell, Gertrude Schneider, Bessie Monson, Leota Hollis, Susie Justice and brothers; Martin, Albert and Ralph Ray

Raphael is survived by two daughters Paulette Lehman (Keith), Lee’s Summit, MO; Debra Ryan (Joe), Lawrence, KS; three grandchildren, Pam Lewis (Kevin), Shawnee, KS; Matt Taliaferro (Sara), Shawnee, KS, Derek Lehman (Genni), Independence, MO; four great-grandchildren Kara and Paige Lewis, Brendon and Aaron Lehman; step-grandchildren Jennifer (Kellen) Fischer, Rich Hill, MO; Heather (Brian) Lowe, Olathe, KS; Jim Ryan (Jessie), Lenexa, KS and Nellie Betzen (Alex), Houston, TX; and eight step-great-grandchildren; one sister Daisy Kiefer of Blue Springs, MO and many nieces and nephews.  

Funeral services will be held at Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary May 5 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in the family plot at the Muscotah Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 10:00 to 11:00 before the services.

The family suggests memorials to the Muscotah Cemetery or The Good Samaritan Fund at Presbyterian Manor, Lawrence, KS. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com