Dorothy "Jean" Ray

Dorothy Jean Ray, age 96, of Decatur passed away on July 11, 2024. Jean was born on September 27, 1927, in Pleasant Mills, IN, where she grew up on the family farm as the youngest of 8 children of Harry and Fanny Ray.

She was a graduate of Pleasant Mills High School (1945) and the Lutheran School of Nursing in Fort Wayne, IN (1948). Jean spent time as a surgical nurse at the University of Michigan and briefly nursed in Greeley, Colorado, before returning to Decatur, where she spent most of her career as an obstetrical registered nurse at Adams Memorial Hospital. During her tenure there from 1956-1992, Jean was a head nurse in “med-surg”, worked with Utilization Review and Quality Assurance, but was most noted for helping deliver hundreds (generations!) of babies. Jean was a member of the Presbyterian Church in both Fort Wayne, IN and Decatur.

Jean enjoyed traveling and spent many years after retirement dividing her time between Bradenton, FL and Decatur.  She was an avid golfer and loved to cheer on her favorite football team, the University of Michigan Wolverines.  Jean doted on a succession of dogs and enjoyed sharing her household with each and every one of her 4-legged companions.  Jean was a “regular” for decades at West End Restaurant in Decatur, where she and her friend Lee were beloved by all.

Jean is survived by special friends Lynne (Jay) Teeter and Louise “Luey” Busse, both of Decatur, IN. She is also survived by special nieces Judy (Sue) Spitler of Roseville, CA, Joanne Spitler of Ashford, WA, Linda Cornell (Hans) of Cincinnati, OH, and Martha (Darren) Payne of Mt. Sterling, KY.   Jean is also survived by numerous other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Jean was preceded in death by lifelong friend Lee Potteiger of Decatur, IN; parents Harry and Fanny Ray of Pleasant Mills, IN; 5 sisters, Pearl (Durward) Gehres of Van Wert, OH; Ruth (John) Spitler of Willshire, OH; Rosemary (Clarence) Crabtree of Mt. Sterling, KY; Thelma (Clarence) Snow of Mt. Vernon, OH; Frances (Herb) Foor of Willshire, OH; 2 brothers, “Bud” (Viola) Ray of Muncie, IN; and Bob Ray (Louise and Marie) of Rupert, WV.

Arrangements are entrusted to Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, IN.  At Jean’s request, there will be no public service and burial will be held at a later date at Decatur Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Adams County Community Foundation – in a fund established to honor Jean.