Donna Godby Ray, 68, of Somerset, Kentucky, earned her eternal reward on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Norton Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, following a brief illness.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents Samuel Ray and Barbara Joan (Linkes) Godby, and her sister, Julia Godby Hamilton.
She is survived by her husband Robert Michael (Mickey) Ray; children William Michael (Tara) Ray and Miranda Ray (Brian) Denney; grandchildren, Jaxson Bishop Ray, Isabette Joann (Izzy Jo) Ray and Hogan Robert Ray; a sister, Debbie (John) Rogers; a mother-in-law, Shirley Ray; nephews, Ben (Heather) Rogers and Luke (Caroline) Hamilton; nieces, Samantha (Jared) Richardson, Sarah Ray, Lauren (Kenneth) New, Ashley Ray (Derek) Smith, Carri Ray; and a number of cousins, great nieces and nephews, family members, and friends.
Samuel Ray and Joan welcomed Donna on July 4, 1956, in Science Hill, Kentucky. Donna was a graduate of Somerset High School in the class of 1974. She married her high school sweetheart, Mickey Ray, on December 26, 1976, after earning her associate degree from Somerset Community College. Donna was a devoted mother to Michael and Miranda. She adored her sisters, her in-laws, and her grandchildren. She was the planner, hostess, and cook for countless family events. She was happiest when surrounded by her extended family.
Donna was a member and shepherd’s wife at the Southside Church of Christ, where she worked tirelessly serving her Christian family as well as her community. Her bright smile and tight hugs were always a warm welcome to anyone who was around her. She was an avid Kentucky Wildcat and Somerset Briar Jumper fan and worked many years on the Somerset High School Athletic Hall of Fame committee. She enjoyed nothing more than to watch those she loved compete; watching golf tournaments played by Mickey and Michael, and traveling thousands of miles following Miranda with the Lady Jumpers and the Campbellsville Lady Tigers.
The Ray Family will welcome visitors on Tuesday, October 22, from 5:00-8:00 p.m., and on Wednesday, October 23, from 9:00-11:00 a.m., with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m.
Donna will be interred at the Science Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sacred Selections (https://bit.ly/donnaraymemorial) or Hospice of Lake Cumberland (https://hospicelc.org/donate/).
Morris-Hislope Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.