Raymond "Ray" Stevenson

Raymond "Ray" Lee Stevenson, born August 21, 1952, went to be with Jesus on February 2, 2025. Ray was the fourth child born to Theodore and Dorothy (Beffel) Stevenson. He was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School and he married Sharon (Sherry) Berge on November 24, 1972.

Ray and Sherry have four children, Sara (Andrew) Davis of Brooklyn, New York; Adam (Carol) Stevenson of Bright, Indiana; Abby (Scott) Vrana of Madras, Oregon, and Elli (Kristian) Sneath of Peru, Illinois. Grandchildren in order of their birth are Addison Stevenson, Cooper Stevenson, Jayden Pinnock, Olivia Vrana, Orly Davis, Ben Vrana, Nova Sneath, and Anson Davis. Seeing pictures of his grandchildren and playing with them was one of Ray's favorite things to do.

Hard work was a way of life for Ray. Even as a child he had a paper route and mowed lawns to earn spending money. He worked at Walgreens through high school to help pay for his cars, an addiction which started early in his life. At one count, he owned over 50 cars throughout his lifetime.

Ray also worked at Caterpillar in Aurora. After leaving Caterpillar, he was employed at Ottawa Township High School as a custodian for 27 years. He also was a photographer for many years capturing weddings and dabbling with developing pictures in his basement studio. He held part-time jobs delivering the Sunday Tribune, driving his cousin's limousine and also did custodial work for his church. More often than not, one or more of his children accompanied or worked alongside him

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Ray loved going to the Kane County Flea Market. He sold sports memorabilia there on the first weekend of the month for over 35 years. He often said it was his favorite thing to do. He loved engaging with his customers, especially children. It would not be uncommon for a child to walk away from his booth with a little treasure given to them by Ray. He also enjoyed collecting many of his own treasures, including Mickey Mouse, Andy Griffith, Coca-Cola, sports collectables and even squirrels.

Ray enjoyed playing golf. His favorite golf course was in Pebble Beach, California where he got a chance to actually stand on one of the greens during a vacation. Ray had a love for dogs - especially for St. Bernards. He owned several dogs over the years: two labradors, a dalmatian, a beagle and a Jack Russel Terrier, plain old muts, and even a Chihuahua. While he was a resident at Lasalle County Nursing home he was always comforted by his TY Beanie Baby St. Bernard that he carried around every day and looked forward to meeting the support dogs that came to visit.

The Beatles, Andy Griffith - he was one of the few Mayberry University graduates - M.A.S.H. and the Cubs were a few of Ray's other passions. Other favorites, root beer and turtles, were used during his short stay at the LaSalle County Nursing Home to encourage him to eat or take medicine. The care he received during his stay at the county home was amazing and truly a blessing. During his last days, many of the CNA's and nurses came in to say farewell. Vitas also gave him excellent care - keeping him free of pain.

He was a member of Crossbridge Community Church, served his country in the Army Reserves from 1972 - 1978, and also served on the board of LaSalle County School Employees Credit Union.

Ray was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and one sister, Janis Stevenson. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren, and two brothers, Tom (Wanda) Stevenson and John (Marcia Varney) Stevenson.

Services will be at Crossbridge Community Church with Rev. Ron Jewett officiating on Thursday, February 6. The wake will be 3 - 5 p.m. and the service following at 5 p.m. Private inurnment with military honors by the Ottawa American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard will be in Oakwood Memorial Park. Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home is honored to serve the family. Memorials may be directed to the family. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.gladfelter-roetker.com