Dee, I am so sorry to hear about Ray’s passing. I have fond memories working with him at Tenneco. He was a wonderful and gentle soul and deeply loved his family. My prayers are with you and your family. Pat Van Natta

8 files added to the album Tribute pictures

15 files added to the album Tribute pictures

Dee lit a candle in memory of Ray Allen Stelly

Remembrances of Ray Stelly for his family. Ray and I were best friends soon after we met for the first time at Port Neches Jr. High School. We had a group of common friends, and common activities such as Band, but we stuck together as best friends all the way through high school. I've still never laughed harder than the time we dummied up Polaroid photos of McBeth scenes for Mrs. Goodwin's senior English class. Eugenia took the photos and helped with the costumes and props (bath robes, garbage can lid-shields, and hunting knife swords). It took much longer than it should have because we were all laughing so hard. The week before graduation, Ray and I played hookey from school and took his spiffy blue Chevelle SS to Galveston for the day. We realized that neither of us had ever skipped school, and we thought we should at least once. I think we got away with it other than our Physics teacher, Mr. Davis, who noticed the sunburn on both of us the next day. At Lamar, as college entrants, we took different paths for several years, but remained close friends as we took wives (best men for each other) and as our families grew. Different career and life paths found us separated by many miles, but we always had a special friendship. And when I became lax about keeping up with old friends, it was always Ray who would find me and remind me of my roots. Ray was the driving force behind my attending my first High School class reunion (our 30th, in 1996). I was not surprised at that reunion to learn that I knew almost no one, and everyone knew Ray and was happy to see him. As my career started to slow down, I once again started to spend more time in Texas visiting old haunts and close friends. During one of these trips, Ray accompanied my son and I to Arlington to watch two baseball games. Both of us were lifelong baseball fans, just one of many common interests we shared. I was reminded of the many times we sat together in the Astrodome or even the old Colt 45 stadium watching baseball, sometimes just the two of us, sometimes with Olee and Charles. Just a few years ago, Ray flew to Nevada for a few days at my urging to see where I'd made my home and experience some of the things I'd come to love about Nevada and the western US. I introduced him to some lonely back roads, steep and twisty mountain exploration roads, and even a rural Nevada saloon. We shot some antique cowboy pistols and carbines, which Ray obviously really enjoyed. I could tell he wasn't always comfortable with everything we did, but he was a willing participant and eager to experience everything I could show him. Ray was a frequent emailer and would call regularly. We talked of sports, family (his greatest love), and sometimes of my work. It didn't matter the subject, we just liked to hear from one another. As his conditioned worsened, the messages and phone calls became less frequent and I could tell he was struggling, although he never complained. After Ray fell ill and was no longer able to travel, Paula and I visited him one last time at his home. I was in Texas for my son's wedding, and wished so badly that Ray could have attended. He'd have been very proud, and I would have loved to have had my best friend there with me. We had a good visit with Ray sitting in his easy chair. When we left, Ray insisted on walking us to the door and giving us a heartfelt goodbye. I had tears in my eyes as I drove away. I didn't want to admit it, but I guess I knew then that it could very well be the last time I saw Ray. So Ray, I'll miss you like I'll miss no other. There is already a hole there for me, knowing that those emails and phone calls will not be coming to remind me to stay in touch. Thank you for being such a loyal friend.

Memories of Ray I moved to the Houston area over Memorial Day 1989. I met Dianne in June of that year when I took a job at the VNA in Houston. She and I immediately bonded. I met Ray shortly after that. I can honestly say that we were like the great cats circling, trying to figure out, “who are you.” As my friendship with Dianne grew, my relationship with Ray remained level. So flash forward several years, Andrea was hospitalized with a pulmonary emboli. Ray and Dianne had the young boys. So on the weekend, I showed up to take the boys for the day. I can honestly remember Ray looking at me like I had two heads. He said, “Barbara, these are babies! Wyatt has a lot of energy. Are you sure you are okay with this?” I reminded him that that I had raised my kids, I had it covered. This was the turning point. Little did I know that taking two toddlers would allow a relationship to blossom. I met Dennis in an on-line relationship back in 1997. As this relationship was developing, Ray was very skeptical and took on the role of my protector. When Den and I decided to meet, Ray demanded that he have the driver license copy of “this person.” Den and I married in 1999. Ray and Dennis became very good friends. I remember Ray telling me, “you met a good one, Barbara! You need to keep this one.” Then with his dry wit, he added, “of course, I don’t know what he sees in you…” as he smiled. We enjoyed many good times together. The memories that I share with Dianne are cherished. So let’s get to the “Cowboy Cookies.” I had perfected my recipe many years back. On one of Dee’s & Ray’s many visits, I had him try the cookies. Ray told me that these were the best cookies that he had ever had. He fully expected that I make these for him on his every visit. Over the years, this soon evolved. I was dutifully informed that not only was I to bake cookies for his arrival, but I was to have a cookie care package for his departure. So this became for the standard for Ray’s cookies. Now flash forward a couple visits. Ray stated that everyone was eating HIS cookies when he got home. So, thus began the next phase of Ray’s cookies. The final standard was cookies on arrival, cookies for Ray to go, and cookies for family to go. Please ask Dee about how Ray would hide his cookies in the underwear drawer!! I was so happy that he enjoyed this. And those cookies became my testament of love for this amazing husband, friend, and person. Ray was simply a good man. He was a humble man. He loved his Lord, his wife Dee, baseball, and his family. I admired him immensely. I will miss him more. But I know he is pain free. He is spasm free. He is happy. He is experiencing the love of our Lord and Savior. And I know we will all enjoy a reunion, all in good time. Thank you, Ray!! I am a better person because I have known you. Please enjoy a bite of “Ray’s” cookie. I hope they make you smile. I know that Ray is smiling down on all of us. All my love, Barbara Offner

Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Ray Allen Stelly.

Paul Noland and Paula purchased the Strength & Solace Spray for the family of Ray Allen Stelly.

Dee, sending my love and prayers to you and your family. I have known Ray since elementary school. His kind and thoughtful ways touched my heart. May you feel God's peace and comfort as you recall memories and live in the blessed hope of the resurrection. Sandra Porter

I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers are for peace and love during your time of sorrow. I will be thinking of you.I wish I was able to attend the services, but I have scheduled some work that I can't get out of.

My condolences to your family. I remember visiting with him at Jeri and Dad's wedding. Such a vibrant person. I am sure he will be with you in spirit forever.

I am so sorry that I cannot be at the service but will join you all on the 22nd. Sending so much love to you all. Ann xxx

Trish Harris lit a candle in memory of Ray Allen Stelly