Raphael Francis "Ray" Smith

Raphael (Ray) Francis Smith passed away on September 16, 2025, at the age of 81. Ray was born February 1, 1944, to J. Cyril and Clara Smith who preceded him in death. Ray married Chere (Brown) on November 20, 1965. Chere preceded him in death, January 21, 2023.

Ray grew up on a farm in Epworth, Iowa where he learned the value of hard work at a young age. Ray was a loving, caring brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He was man of strong faith, Ray's beliefs were central to his life, guiding his actions and relationships throughout the years.

Ray is survived by four daughters. Carla (Darren) Hicks of Lafayette, Indiana, Renee (James) Hummel of Plainfield, Indiana, Cindy (Edward) Cicierko of Clayton, Indiana and Lori (Joel) Moser of W. Lafayette, Indiana. He is survived by 13 Grandchildren, Addison (Caitlin) Hummel, Raeann Cicierko, Anton (Kassidy) Hummel, Shelby (Joe) Yeaman, Casey (Marrissa) Cicierko, Abbey (Donta) Hummel, Maebel Moser, Emily Hicks, Andrew Cicierko, Oliver (Shannon) Moser, Sherman Moser, Edith Moser and Ruth Moser. Great-Grandchildren, Lyla and Camden Manuel, Sawyer and Miriam Yeaman, Hudson Hummel, Najee and Noelle Hicks, Oakley Cicierko and Rowan Hummel. His siblings, Phyllis (Gary) Astgen of E. Dubuque, IL, Kathy (Wally) Link, of Dyersville, IA, and Rita Benter of Dubuque, IA. Sister-in-laws Donna Smith of Dubuque, IA, Darlene Sexton of Dubuque, IA and brother-in-laws Bill Brown, Solon, IA and Jim Haberkorn of Avon, Indiana. And many loving cousins, nieces and nephews that were very dear to his heart. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Richard Smith, John Smith, Pat Smith, Eugene Smith, Dennis Smith, and sister Ann (Smith) Brown, and sisters-in-law, Lois Smith and Vicki Haberkorn.

Ray dedicated his life to his faith, family, friends, work and golf. He started working for International Harvester in the early 1970's in Dubuque, Iowa. He was transferred many times working for International Harvester living in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Illinois and finally Indiana. In 1982, Ray helped open a dealership, Speedway International Trucks, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He cherished his years at the dealership, and his co-workers and customers became part of his second family.

Ray moved his family to Indiana in 1982. Ray and Chere moved to W. Lafayette in 2021. They were long time members of St. Susanna Catholic Church in Plainfield, IN. Through the years Ray was a member of the Finance Committee and volunteered for the Sunday morning breakfast for the homeless at the Cathedral. For the past four years, Ray attended church in W. Lafayette, IN at University Place. Ray enjoyed spending his free time golfing. He even had a hole in one at Oaktree Golf Course hole number 5. Ray also enjoyed attending sporting events, traveling, playing cards and doing volunteer work. Ray most of all enjoyed spending time with family. His Iowa family was very dear to him.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025 from 10:00a.m.-12:00p.m. at St. Susanna Catholic Church in Plainfield, Indiana. Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00p.m. with entombment to follow at Maple Hill Cemetery Mausoleum. A celebration of life luncheon will be held immediately following.