About
Ray Ruetz Obituary
He was born on March 1, 1932, in Michigan City, Indiana. The youngest of six children, Ray grew up running the streets and hanging out unsupervised at the beach with his sister, Virginia. When he was seventeen years old, he attended an evangelistic meeting to appease the persistent invitations of his older siblings. It was at that meeting that Ray understood his need for a Savior and put his trust in Jesus. The trajectory of his life changed that night as he surrendered himself to Christ.
Ray attended Bob Jones University where he earned a degree in Biblical Studies and became an ordained minister. He married Margie Ragan and became a new father within the year. After two years of marriage, Margie and the second child they were expecting were tragically killed in a car accident.
In time, Ray made the decision to go to Japan as a missionary with his young son, Marshall. Prior to leaving for Japan, a mutual friend introduced Ray and Joy. One year later Joy joined Ray in Japan where they were married and served together for ten years. When they returned to the States, Ray served as a Christian school teacher and principal, a college professor, and a church pastor.
Some of the best years of Ray's life in ministry were the thirteen years he served with New Tribes Mission training missionaries for unreached tribal areas. After nearly fifty years in Christian ministry, Ray and Joy retired to Payson, Arizona and eventually moved to Glendale, Arizona to be close to family.
Ray is survived by his wife, Joy; children, Marshall (Maria), Michael (Susan), Steven (Debi), Amy (Jeff), Bruce (Adrienne); grandchildren, Alexa, Meagan (George), Theodore, Emily (David), Lauren, Zachary, Maggie, Emma, Raina, Lane, Trevor; great-grandchildren, George, Luke, Zion, Rae, Judah, Luka.
A Memorial Service honoring Ray's life will be held on August 23, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM in the Glencroft Senior Living Auditorium at 8650 N 67th Ave. in Glendale, Arizona.
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9 Entries
Shannon Hatfield
Yesterday
At Beacon Bible every Sunday I was greeted by Ray and Joy with such love and care, I miss them. I extend my condolences to the whole family
With love, your sister in Christ, Shannon Hatfield
Amy Gordon
August 8, 2025
Dad´s last birthday celebration. So thankful for the 93 years of life he enjoyed!!
Gayle Hughes
August 8, 2025
Sweet Uncle Ray was a Christ-like inspiration to my family, especially 2 of my 4 sons who got to meet him and talk basketball in 2019. My mom, Joan Ruetz Ruggles, learned to be the loving mother she was by being his big sister first. I´m so thankful we will have all of Eternity together because of Jesus. Love and prayers for you, my dear Aunt Joy and cousins.
Amy Gordon
August 8, 2025
Dad´s last birthday.
He never looked or acted his age!
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Christopher Williams
August 8, 2025
Ray was a teacher at Heart to Heart when I was in 8th grade and High School. He was a wise man willing to talk a bit outside the box on how God does work in our world. I fondly remember his stories of being a missionary in the Phillipines. Once he said he was walking down the street and this person was standing on a box preaching the gospel in perfect Filipino. When he was finish Ray approached him and asked him where he had learned Filipino. The man explained he did t know Filipino. God had impressed on him to preach and he did. He claimed he preached in English. Was this the true gift of tongues spoken of in Acts everyone hearing the gospel in their own language simultaneously?
I wish I had been able to reconnect before his home going so that I could have told him face to face the powerful and positive impact he had on my life. God be with your family in your time of loss.
Maria Ruetz
August 7, 2025
Buddy and Andi MacDonald
August 7, 2025
Had the privilege of serving together with Ray and Joy at Tri-City Christian Academy. Ray simply exuded the character of Christ in his daily walk.
Ken Mullane
August 7, 2025
Sorry for your loss, sending our condolence's, The MullaneFamily
Maria Ruetz
August 7, 2025
Marshall, Maria and Alexa were blessed to make great memories with Ray. I'm so happy that he was able to be in Alexa's life and watch her grow up. He will be missed.
Maria Ruetz
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