Ray Cline Jr.

XENIA — This is my last love letter to you, my Rammy. You always stressed the importance of saying "thank you" so this is my letter of appreciation for the ways you strengthened me and for the marriage you gave me. At your bedside, encircled by loved ones, you slipped from my arms and were reborn through Jesus Christ. On Dec. 13th , you began your eternal life where your loving parents, Ray and Erdean, are holding you close as they did in your earthly birth on June 5, 1935 in Bloomsburg, PA. How your life journey turned and twisted and brought you to me! I know how much you thrived at finally being able to have some continuity at Xenia Central High School. From there your education took you to an undergraduate degree at Wittenberg University, service in the Air Force, and then your graduate degree at Indiana University. How thankful I am that you decided not to follow your father's career in retailing, but instead chose to become a college professor at Wittenberg University, where we were destined to meet and begin our inseparable love story. Later, at the University of Dayton, you had the opportunity to touch more students' lifes and collaborate in marketing research. Your leadership positions in the Dayton chapter of the American Marketing Association and Datyon Sales Executives gave another dimension to your career. At first, I questioned your need to have a "hands-on" entrepreneurship to apply the textbook theories you taught. I wondered how we could tackle more projects, but you proved that Ray Kline's Bandwagon could roll along, and we thrived working together. Most importantly, you proved that integrity and The Golden Rule does work in the real world of business. From serving programs that ranged in size from The Ohio State University to small, rural schools, you were a problem-solver, meeting their needs, and forming friendships with band directors, music boosters, and vendors that have gladdened our lifes. Rammy, our marriage never became stale. We never took each other for granted, and we cherished our days of togetherness. With your curiosity and energy, there was unending variety:: cheering on The Ohio State football team, (remember when we marched into the Horshoe with the band?),setting up displays at music conventions (remember the beauty of Chicago in Christmas lights?) seeing the University of Dayton basketball team win the NIT in Madison Square Garden, Airstreaming on a western trip to follow the Oregon trail, riding scenic trains, building apartments, going to model train shows (you enjoyed working on the early stages of the Greene County Museum's exhibit), gardening (your tomatoes were the best and your rhodedendron were awesome). We were dubbed "good eaters"–as one server commented–so we were always visiting restaurants with our friends, warmed by laughter and good times. Sundays were special for us; God was to be worshiped. On a mundane level, you never mowed grass, never wanted me to hang out laundry on that day. At Westminster Presbyterian Church, your being an elder was a responsibility that you found humbling. Sitting in "our" pew, feeling your shoulder next to mine, and hearing your baritone voice singing hymns was a comfort to my heart, and I will deeply miss the contentment you brought. I have always been in awe of your resilience and strength. Perhaps your parents' frequent relocations with your father's career and your always being "the new kid" on the block formed those traits. You mentored me with self-confidence, determination and loyalty that have made me into a stronger, better person. Your courage, optimism, and peacefulness were always with you. Throughout your illness of six and a half years, you never once whined, complained, or showed self-pity. Your faith and hope and acceptance of God's will were lessons you taught day after day, night after night. Your steadfast Christian faith has been unshakeable, and you have set a high standard for me to attempt. As you go on, you are leaving behind a sister-in-law, Betty Burkhard of Springfield; nieces and nephews in Springfield; special nieces Vickie Burkhard, and Olivia Noller of Harrison, OH;, cousins in PA. , including Bruce Sneidman, of Bloomsburg, PA.; and your close friend from college days, Gene Roller of Springfield. Then here without you are the caregivers (really" lifegivers") who used all the energy they had, all the imagination they could muster, and all the love in their hearts to comfort you and cheer you these many years. Through the entire journey of illness, along with your niece Vickie, were Sharon Mendenhall of Sacramento, CA, Erin Eavers of Xenia, OH.,and Diane Burton, your nurse, of Beavercreek . Lisa Wines of Las Vegas, NV was with you much of the journey, and coming into your life later were Malessa Blair of Huber Hts., OH. and Tina Thompson and Stacie Rhoades of Xenia, OH.and Louis Duncan, your therapist,of Springboro, who brought hope and cheerfulness. Of all those who cared for you during these years, Erin's unwavering, unstoppable, loving devotion to you can only be grasped in the realms of angels. Somehow we carved out happy moments and those moments, your smile, your "baby blues," and your courage are memories etched in our hearts. Well, my Rammy, we were always following schedules and we have one more remaining. On Sunday, December 17 from 3-7 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Xenia, OH., friends will have the opportunity to say their good-byes. Then on Monday, Dec. 18 at 10:00 am at the church, there will be a celebration of your life. Pastor Melissa Tidwell and Rev. Marvin Wiseman will be leading the celebration. Neeld Funeral Home in Xenia is helping us get ready and condolences can be sent to NeeldFuneralHome.com. I know that in lieu of flowers, you would be pleased if there were remembrances in your name for Westminister Presbyterian Church, Boys' Town, or The Salvation Army. From there we will take one last trip together to Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield, OH., where we will part until I can hold you again for always. Loving you forever, Your Dolly.