Luetta Mae Ray

Luetta Ray was born to John and Florence Goodson October, 17^th, 1928 in Van Meter, IA. She passed peacefully in her sleep on December 28^th, 2018 at the age of 90.  She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 sisters: Bernice, Betty and Mary Louise and 3 brothers: James, Carl, and Donald.  She is survived by her younger brother Junior of Waukee, IA. 

Luetta graduated from Van Meter High School as the valedictorian. She met her husband Lewis Ray in high school, they were married May 2^nd the year after graduation.  Lewis and Luetta had their children in Iowa and Illinois between 1949 and 1957, and then moved to California in 1958 for work.  Luetta loved raising her children, visiting family in Iowa, camping, cooking, growing roses and dancing. Luetta played bingo with friends, and loved to go to the Indian casinos with the senior groups for fun.

She also had a very entrepreneurial spirit.  Her and Lewis bought a Bar/Restaurant in Lytle Creek, CA called Dunham’s.  One of her passions was creating recipes for the restaurant portion of the business. She had a second business in Fontana after the sale of Dunham’s, it was called Dunnigan’s a small tavern near her husband’s ornamental iron shop. She also went to cosmetology school and worked in Rialto, CA as a cosmetologist.

She loved all of her family, nephews and nieces, and the grandchildren. She especially loved when they visited, as she got older, she loved that they helped her by taking her places. They helped her get to Doctors, bingo and shopping.

She was proceeded in death by her husband Lewis and son, Michael – (Spouse -Jennie (Sauceda) Ray). She was Survived by; daughter - Christie (Ray) Cory (spouse - Larry), son Steven Ray (spouse – Janet), daughter - Jan Neil (spouse – Ken), son - Thomas Ray.

Luetta had 12 grandchildren; Lariann (Cory) Robertson, Dennis Cory, Tawnya (Cory) Nunes, Jordan Ray, Alex Ray, Chelsey (Neil) McQuoid, Jacob Neil, Hannah Ray, Jillian Ray, Isaac Ray, Scott Ray and David Ray (Michael’s sons).  

10 great grandchildren, Taylor Robertson, Kylee Robertson, Connor Nunes, Alexis Nunes, Cody Ray, Jennifer Ray, Jessica Ray, Emili Ray, Chloe Ray, Izabelle Ray.

2 great-great grandchildren; Rueben Anthony (Ray) Juarez, Kaden Anthony Ray.

There will be a memorial held for Luetta in late June 2019 a date will be announced by her daughter Jan Neil.