Ray A. Hargis

Age 85, of Pontiac, Illinois, formerly of Gardner, Illinois, died on March 7, 2026, at Evenglow Senior Living in Pontiac.

Born on September 3, 1940, in Marshall, Illinois, Ray Allen was the beloved son of Fredrick and Mary (Mason) Hargis. He spent his early childhood in Yorkville, Illinois, before moving to Joliet, Illinois during his teenage years. Ray graduated from Joliet Township High School with the Class of 1958. After high school, he began a long and dedicated career as a crane operator with Caterpillar, where he worked for more than 32 years before retiring. On September 25, 1961, Ray married the love of his life, Diane, in Joliet. Together they began their life in Gardner, where they built their home and shared 54 wonderful years. Their life together was rooted in love, dedication, and the family they raised.

Ray was a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Dwight, where he faithfully served by assisting with and driving the church bus. His faith and generosity were reflected in the quiet ways he helped others and remained involved in his church community. Above all else, Ray was a family man. He deeply cherished his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and found his greatest joy in the time spent with them. Ray enjoyed gardening and taking care of his yard, always happiest when he had a project to work on. A talented handyman, he could fix just about anything and often took pride in completing his own home projects and repairing vehicles. Ray was a steady and dependable presence who had a special gift for caring for others, especially his beloved wife, Diane.

He is survived by his children: Rae Ann (the late Eric) Cotton, of Braidwood, Illinois, and Lydia (Jon) Johnson of Pontiac; grandchildren: Miranda Warren, Allen (Dawn) Cotton, and Matthew (Destini) Cotton; great-grandchildren: Dillan, Rylynn, and Ericca Warren, Noah and Lincoln Cotton; sisters: Mary (the late Charles) Shear, Barbara (Byford) Kehrer, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and several cousins.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Diane; children: Fredrick Allen Hargis and Kathryn Mary Arnstrom.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the First Baptist Church in Dwight, Illinois from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. Pastor Daniel Woodward will be officiating. Following the church services, Ray will be laid to rest at Braceville-Gardner Cemetery with his wife and his daughter, Kathryn.

Memorials may be made as gifts in Ray's name to Evenglow Senior Living, American Diabetes Association, or the First Baptist Church in Dwight.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book or share Ray's memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-237-2526).