Catherine Railey

Catherine Annette Railey, age 89, of Sunbury, Ohio, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 24, 2025, at her daughter Velma's home.
She was born on August 28, 1936, in Hobart, Oklahoma, to the late Ennis Edgar Tayler and Velma Jewel Moss.
On April 4, 1953, Catherine married Travis E. Railey, Sr. at Calvary Baptist Church in Lawton, Oklahoma. Together, they shared 44½ years of marriage.
She is survived by her daughter, Velma (Steve) Stiverson; daughters-in-law, Kim Railey (Travis Railey), Lisa Railey (Ed Railey), Patricia Siri and Debra Martindale (Jeffrey Schwartz); and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Misty McReady, Landen Stiverson, Hannah Martindale, Cody and Dani Railey, Morgan Siri, and Daytona Shoop; and great- grandchildren Autumn and Brandon McReady, Chase and Cameron Stiverson, and Ruby, Remi, and Calvin Wallner.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Travis E. Railey, Sr., and her sons, Travis E. Railey, Jr. and Edgar E. Railey.
Annette had a long and dedicated work history. She worked as a manager for Dairy Queen in Milwaukie, Oregon for 15 years, and later served as head cashier at Grocery Outlet in Oregon City, Oregon for 30 years, retiring at the age of 75.
She was a member of Sunbury Christian Church and was a proud Army spouse, accompanying her husband during his service in U.S. Army Artillery and Armor. Her life took her to multiple duty stations, including Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Fort Knox, Kentucky; Fort Lewis McChord, Washington; and three three-year tours in Germany, where she lived in Erlangen and Neu-Ulm. Following her husband's military retirement, they settled in Portland, Oregon, where they lived for 40 years before Annette relocated to Sunbury, Ohio ten years ago.
Annette's greatest joy came from the lives and activities of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a self-proclaimed "champion" binge-watcher of NCIS, Antiques Roadshow, and Little House on the Prairie, and enjoyed playing solitaire on her computer. She was an accomplished biscuit and pie maker, a devoted lover of junk food, and adored her cats, her "kitty babies," no matter their age.
As the primary caregiver for her husband following his major stroke, Annette provided exceptional home care and therapies for over ten years, all while continuing to work full-time, travel, and enjoyed shopping. She was incredibly proud of her family, her long career at Grocery Outlet, and her remarkable memory. Known as a connoisseur of fragrances and always fashionably dressed, Annette had a rare gift for kindness and never met a stranger. She was "Mom" to everyone around her and was genuinely adored.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Annette's honor to her family, c/o Snyder Funeral Homes, 637 N. State Route 61, Sunbury, Ohio 43074.
A Celebration of Life will be held in early spring 2026. Annette will be laid to rest with her husband at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.
Snyder Funeral Homes, DeVore Chapel, is honored to serve the Railey family. Please visit www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com to share a memory or leave an online condolence.