Gerda H.A. Ray

Gerda H.A. Ray, 73, of Topeka, passed away on Friday, March 31, 2006 at her home. She was born on November 20, 1932 in Berlingerode, Germany, the daughter of Raimund and Hedwig Klar Bode. She attended Catholic School and then three years of Home Economics School. Gerda became a United States Citizen on September 6, 1960 in Tuscon, AZ. She moved to Topeka in 1964. She was employed by Bobo's Drive Inn for 3 years and then was employed as a seamstress for the Topeka State Hospital for 25 years before retiring in 1995. Gerda married James P. Ray, Sr. on July 6, 1957 in Zweibrucken, Germany. He survives. Other survivors include her children, Michael and his wife, Suzanne Eretl of Germany, Gabriele and her husband, Scott Musick of Overbrook, Ramona and her husband, Tom DeWitt of Topeka, Tammy and her husband, Don Stevens of Topeka and James and his wife, Michelle Ray, Jr. of Topeka, 16 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers, Hans and Paul Bode and 2 sisters, Silli Doege and Sigrid Bauer all of Germany. Cremation has taken place. Private memorial services are planned. Private inurnment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be given to Midland Hospice Care, 200 S.W. Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606 or the KSU Cancer Center, 1 Chalmers Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506.