Wanda Mae Raye

RAPID CITY - Wanda Mae Raye, 65, Rapid City, died Saturday, April 30, 2011, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Wanda was born Feb. 13, 1946, in Rapid City to Kenneth and Delores (McDonald) Douglas.  She completed her education in Rapid City.  She met William Raye and they were married Dec. 23, 1962, in Rapid City. They lived in Lockbourne, Ohio, Okinawa, Ellsworth, Germany, France and the Netherlands, returning to Rapid City where they raised their family.

Wanda was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was known to love pigs, frogs, turtles, chickens and had a deep admiration of Betty Boop.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Raye, Rapid City; four sons, Sam Raye, Anchorage, Alaska, Jason Raye, Rapid City, John Raye, Fairfax, Va., and Michael (Krista) Raye, Rapid City; a daughter,

Rebecca Raye (Drew Beach), Rapid City; 11 grandchildren, Suzanne, Amanda, Joshua, David, Jessica, Kiara Lynn, Makai Lynn, Dai-Ana, Jaxon, Kylie Anne and Sawyer; a great-grandchild, Ivan; a sister, JoAnn (Tom) Bennington, Rapid City; and numerous nieces and nephews who are all truly loved by our wonderful mother.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Bonnie Horton and Dixie George.

Our mother was a person who accepted everyone for who they were and not judging them. She was and will remain in our hearts, loved and deeply missed. She was a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day and always available for a warm hug. She was not only our mother but our friend, and we will take this last lesson she taught us, that all family and friends must be kept close to the heart. Our mother passed away while trying to get her heart fixed, and we believe she gave so much of her heart to everyone else that she forgot to save some for herself.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with 7 p.m. Christian Wake services Thursday, May 5, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 6, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help with Father Tyler Dennis officiating. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.