Marsha Ray

(From Parker Mortuary)

Marsha Ann Ray, 76, died peacefully August 30th, 2023, at her home in Joplin, MO surrounded by family after a short battle with cancer.

Marsha was born September 4, 1946, in Granby, MO to James Courtney and Mary Ruth (Laswell) Courtney. She graduated from Granby High School. Marsha retired in 2010 after a fulfilling career at Consumer Credit Counseling. Marsha was happily married to her partner in life Roy Ray for 55 years preceding his death in January.

 

Marsha is survived by 2 children: Melissa (Ray) Zahnle, Jennifer (Ray) Clements and husband Matthews Clements; grandchildren Lucy Rae Clements and Reece Clements, along with a huge, extended family which she adored and terrorized like her own children.

Marsha was affectionately known as Nanny to many of the people who loved her. She loved her children and grandchildren deeply and held on to everything any of them ever gave to her. She loved going shopping and dragging her kiddos along with her. She loved to collect gnomes, anything to do with Dale Jr., and always had plenty of food stocked in her pantry. She was the unofficial official neighborhood watch and loved to be outside in her backyard. She also had many dog children she loved over the years. 

She enjoyed watching the weatherman from KOAM and had what some would call a "wicked" sense of humor. She was the life of the party and there was never a dull moment with her. She will be remembered as Nanny, the person who touched so many people's lives and will never be forgotten. Every time you hear about NASCAR, spot a gnome, browse in the target $1 section, or see chalk drawings on the sidewalk-- you will be reminded of her.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Osborne Memorial Cemetery in Joplin, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family requests all memorial contributions be made to the Joplin Humane Society.

Funeral arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.