Ray Jarrell

It is often said that if something in life is worth having, then it is worth working hard for, and this is how Ray Jarrell lived his life. To Ray, the things that were important were his marriage, his children and grandchildren, and his work ethic, and if you closely examine his life, you would see that he strived to be the best he could possibly be in each one of these areas. Ray’s years of dedicated work afforded him both a happy place in life, and a family that loved him dearly.

The year was 1947 and the world was slowly emerging from the darkness of World War II. Prosperity had replaced despair and people were beginning to enjoy themselves again. It was into these flourishing times that Ray was born in Newport News, Virginia on December 1, 1946. Ray spent his early childhood living in Newport News, but when he was 8, his mother, Wanda, wanted to provide a better life for her son, and they moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan. Being a single parent is never easy, but Wanda made sure her son knew the value of hard work, something he carried with him throughout his life. Ray was just a young boy when he took his first job shining shoes outside the courthouse in Kalamazoo.

Ray received his education in the Kalamazoo area schools, including Harding Elementary, South Jr. High and Kalamazoo Central, where he graduated in 1965. It was in high school that Ray met the love of his life, Aileen Thysse, who was 2 years younger than him. The two were sweethearts throughout their high school years, and were happily married less than a year after graduating high school on March 21, 1966. Shortly after saying “I do,” Ray received his draft notice from the U.S. Army and proudly served during the Vietnam War. Although the service took him miles from home, his “expecting” wife was never far from his thoughts and he couldn’t wait to get back to her. Ray and Aileen were eventually blessed with three children: Angel Marie, Amy and Ray .

Family always came first for Ray, and he spent his life balancing hard work with being a devoted father and husband. By example, Ray taught his children the value of a strong work ethic. He was an honest, hardworking employee of Brown/Crown Vantage Paper Company for over 30 years, and his many long hours helped him provide well for his family. He formed many lifelong friendships with his co-workers too. When the paper mill closed down, Ray found work as a baker and worked at Shaffer's Bakery until retiring in April 2009.

Although Ray worked hard to support his family, he also found time to relax and have fun. Always active, he played basketball in high school, and later played softball for many years and bowled. One of his favorite pastimes though was fishing. There was nothing better than having a rod in hand, the line in the water and reflecting on life while waiting for a bite. Ray had been all over fishing, but his favorite spot was off the covered bridge on the St. Joseph River in Centerville. Ray was a simple kind of guy; he liked music of all genres, and a good prime rib dinner with peach cobbler for dessert. He was also a big fan of the Detroit Red Wings and U of M football. He was a member of the American Legion and the American Stamp Club.

Of all the great things in Ray’s life, time spent with his loved ones towered above the rest. He grew up an only child, so when he married into Aileen’s big family, he came to love and enjoy having everyone around. His grandchildren, however, were the apples of his eye, and he loved nothing more than to spoil them rotten. He attended many of their sporting events, and was always their #1 fan. It was only natural that Christmas was Ray’s favorite time of the year, when the family all came together, and he was surrounded by the love and smiles of his grandkids.

Although Ray will be deeply missed, his legacy of love and dedication leaves his loved ones with wonderful memories and a strong foundation to look to for comfort.

Ray Jarrell, age 63 of Kalamazoo, MI died suddenly on Saturday, February 6, 2010. Visit with his family and friends, view his life story film and share light refreshments on Thursday, February 11, from 4-7 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Homes, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage (344-5600). A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, February 12, at the same location.

Members of Ray’s family include his wife, Aileen; his daughter, Angel Marie, who preceded him in death in 1987; his son, Ray, and his wife, Lisa Jarrell; his daughter, Amy, and her husband, Charlie Hopkins; 5 grandchildren: Angel Marie, Amanda Lyn, Charley Lynn, Michelle Aileen, Billy Ray; mother-in-law, Mary Thysse; brothers-in-law, Leonard (Sharon) Thysse and Pete Thysse; sisters-in-law, Beverly (Randy) Middleton, Kathy Ballet, Pat (Rick) Walker; and several nieces, nephews and in-laws. He also was preceded in death by his Mother, Wanda Jarrell; Pete Thysse father in-law, and brother-in-law, O.K. Ballet. Please visit Ray’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo with his family or sign his online guest book before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the family.