Barbara Jeanette (Kelly) Ray Born December 31, 1939 in Osceola, Missouri. Escorted from her earthly home in Grain Valley, MO to her heavenly home March 22, 2023. Barbara was the firstborn of Everett & Odessa Kelly. She was joined by her siblings, Larry, Judy and Pat. The family lived in various parts of the country before settling in Windsor, Missouri where Barbara graduated from Windsor High School in 1957. She was a homemaker but also worked for Hallmark Cards, Torotel, Mission International and the IRS. She also enjoyed working along with her husband, Dale, for neighbors and people in the church with childcare, lawn care, woodworking and custodial needs. She and her husband enjoyed serving in the church and traveling to visit with family and friends and seeing sites across the country. Barbara began to show signs of Alzheimer’s disease in her adult life and the progression became more apparent each year. She was blessed to receive personal care by her family at home until her passing.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Everett & Odessa Kelly, her brother, William Patrick Kelly, her husband, Dale Ray, step-granddaughter, Sara Beth Edwards, and many other family members and friends.
Barbara is survived by her daughter, Darlene Smith (husband Greg), daughter, Denise Fergerson, step-daughter, Pam Barrett (husband Roy), step-daughter Teresa Edwards (husband Wendell), brother, Larry Kelly, sister, Judy Benefiel (husband John), 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces/nephews and many more extended family members and cherished friends.
Obituary submitted by family
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441