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Ray Whitlatch Obituary

Ray William
Whitlatch
Ray William Whitlatch, of Sebring, FL, died on October 26, 2008. Born August 24, 1927, he was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Emma Whitlatch, and his brother, Harold Whitlatch. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Rita Ann Belfield Whitlatch, his children Jim Whitlatch (Joan), Kathy Strong (Glen), Dick Whitlatch (Chris); Mary Jo DiSalvo, Martha Fay (Jack); and John Whitlatch; grandchildren include Jim Whitlatch, John Whitlatch, Jackie Gonzalez, Erin McKelley, Carrie Boyd, Carl Whitlatch, Diane Betz, Sam DiSalvo, Matt DiSalvo, Eddie Fay, Bryan Fay, Kelley Fay, Kelsey Whitlatch, Kristen Whitlatch, and John Michael Whitlatch (deceased). Ray is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren. Ray was Vice President of Sales at Ohio Ferro Alloys Corporation, Canton, OH, and served as President of the Foundrymen's Society, Ohio Chapter. A lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, he was an active member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Canton, OH, where he served as a lector and St. Vincent de Paul volunteer. Ray was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by the governor of Kentucky. He was an avid fisherman and golfer and a member of Sun ‘N Lakes Golf Club in Sebring, FL. A memorial Mass will take place at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, where Ray was a member. A celebration of Ray's life will follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601-7633.
Stephenson Nelson,
863-385-0125

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Repository or The Independent on Oct. 28, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Ray Whitlatch

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Betsy Becker

October 31, 2008

Mary Jo, Sam & Matt: Sorry to hear about your loss of your Dad and grandfather. Bill, Brian and I have you in our thoughts and prayers.

Bruce Miller

October 30, 2008

Mrs. Whitlatch, Kathy, Jim, Dick, Mary Jo, Martha and Johnnie. Mom told me of your loss last night. Please accept my deepest sympathies. Your husband and father was a wonderful man whom I always looked up to.

Diana (Bedford) Cooper

October 30, 2008

Kathy & Family -
I was so sorry to hear today about the death of your father. I understand your feelings having just lost my father in Aug. May happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time.

Tom Murnane

October 30, 2008

Mary Jo, so sorry to hear of your loss, keeping you and your family in our prayers, Tom and Kathy Murnane

Allan Doerner

October 29, 2008

Dear Kathy,
Although it's been almost 43 years since I left Canton just before end of junior year, I often reflect back to close friends and classmates. It was with sadness that I read of your fathers passing. May you stay strong at this difficult time,and may God Bless you and your family.
Allan Doerner GHS '67

Judy Hoover

October 29, 2008

Kathy and family, My deepest condolences on your loss. May sweet memories be the paradise of your mind. Love, Judy Hoover

Linda Lee

October 29, 2008

Dear Rita and Family,

My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Ray was a wonderful man and I have many pleasant memories of him and all of you.

Ray will be missed by many.

Mary Szymkowiak

October 29, 2008

Mary Jo -- Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Julie McKelley

October 29, 2008

You welcomed me into your family with open arms. I will miss you terribly Grandpa Ray. Love always

James Gwin

October 28, 2008

Mary Jo and the Whitlatch family
Please accept my condolences upon the death of your father. Although I now live in Shaker Heights, I came upon your dad's death notice and it renewed warm memories of my high school years and the students and parents who provided guidance to me. We had gone to St. Thomas together and I came to meet your family at that time. Your father expressed great kindness to me and I sensed he showed the same kindness to all. Please accept my condolences on your loss.
Jim Gwin

Barbara Burkholder

October 28, 2008

Dear Rita and Family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Ray was a wonderful husband and father. When I met him through Mary Jo, I felt like I had known him for years. What a beautiful person and a truly handsome man. That speaks to what a wonderful man he was in life. You and Ray raised a loving and kind daughter in my best friend, Mary Jo. May Ray be welcomed into heaven by Jesus and all of the angels and saints. His fun spirit will live on in each one of you.
May he rest in peace.
Barb Cody Burkholder

Clay and Lynn Rose

October 28, 2008

Our sincere sympathies, Mary Jo. You and the extended family are in our prayers

Janet Driever

October 28, 2008

Dear Whitlatch Family:
I am a friend of Martha's and though I have not known the family long, it is very apparent that you are a warm, loving and wonderful group. I am so, so sorry for your loss. Please know that everyone who knows and works with Martha sends their love, prayers, and sympathy to you all.
Janet Driever and family
Colleague and BFF in WI

Conrad Gromada

October 28, 2008

Dear Rita, I have so many fond memories of you and Ray at Our Lady of Peace, including many at daily Mass. Those memories include lots of smiles and laughter. I'm sure that Ray is now enjoying the laughter of heaven and is still very close to us, especially you, his wonderful wife. I am keeping you and your family in prayer.

Gail Sterling

October 28, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Charita Goshay

October 28, 2008

Dear Kathy:
Please accept my deepest sympathies on your loss.

Alan Devore

October 28, 2008

Dear Rita and Family,
We would like to express our deepest sympathy toward you and your family. Ray was such a memorable and inspirational man. We are very fortunate to have known Ray. peace, Alan Devore and family

Jennifer Sigler-Enochs

October 28, 2008

My heartfelt condolences are with all of you as well as peace and comfort from God's love. I think back to our school days and the many times I spent at the house - they were fun times and I always looked up to Mr. Whitlatch. God bless you all, Jenny Sigler-Enochs

Terry Schimmoller

October 28, 2008

My condolences to the extended family. I know he will be dearly missed.

Ron & Lori Stokes

October 28, 2008

Kathy & Glen Strong & family: Sending you and your family our most heartfelt condolences at this time. Blessings of love, peace and comfort.

Sue Hicks

October 28, 2008

Ray was such a nice man and Dick and I enjoyed our golfing friendship with him and Rita at Alliance Country Club. Our condolences to his loving family.

Jeanne Massouh

October 28, 2008

Dick, Chris and family,
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Also know that God will take care of you and your family in this time of need. Heaven has received another angel. My heart felt sympathy, Love Jeanne Massouh

Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Homes and Crematory

October 28, 2008

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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