Karen V. Ray, of Vero Beach, passed away after a battle with cancer on July 26, 2016.
She is survived by her husband Pierce E. Ray; her son Pierce L. Ray and his wife, Lilian G. Ray. Karen’s stepmother, Anna Green Vandenburg’s home is in Germany. The Ray family includes: The Rev. Mr. & Mrs. Stephen (Paula) Gutridge, Dr. & Mrs. Charlie (Lynn) Ray, their children and grandchildren.
Ray was born in Philadelphia, Pa., and grew up in Germany and England before returning to the United States to attend Bryn Mawr College.
Her father was Howard F. Vandenburg of Buffalo, N.Y., a Kammersaenger with the Bavarian State Opera Company, and Dorothea E. Meisenhelter of Philadelphia, Pa.
After leaving the Philadelphia area, the Ray family lived in Palm Beach Gardens for 25 years. Ray was Executive Assistant to the Director of First Care Family Resources, West Palm Beach. She enjoyed editing the organization’s newsletters and correspondence. In West Palm, Pierce and Karen were active members of Village Baptist Church, where Karen taught Bible Studies and sang in the choir for many years.
In 2011, the Rays moved to Vero Beach. Karen served King’s Baptist Church in Vero Beach as a Master Life leader and a member of the “Christmas 1914” writing team. The annual event is a walk-through play that was attended by over 5,000 community residents in 2013.
A service will be held at King’s Baptist Church on Aug. 1, at 11 a.m. with visitation at 10 a.m. The Strunk Funeral Home is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations to Kings Baptist Church are appreciated, especially the 1914 Fund.
Knowing I would soon stand before Almighty God, I wrote my own obituary. The King of Kings is returning soon. May we all be ready to meet Him!
