Joyce Ray

1926 - 2025

Joyce Ray

September 1, 1926 - October 12, 2025

Joyce Marie (Shalley) Ray, aged 99, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025, in the presence of her family. Born on September 1, 1926, in Nevada, Story County, Iowa.

Joyce was the daughter of Lawrence Earl Shalley and Elva Pearl Briley. She graduated from East High School in Des Moines, Iowa, and earned a bachelor's degree from Drake University in December 1973, graduating cum laude with departmental honors. Her academic achievements reflected her lifelong commitment to scholarship and personal excellence.

On November 22, 1949, Joyce was united in marriage to Marlowe Edward Ray in Rock Island, Ill. Together, they were foster parents to 19 children, providing a nurturing environment and steadfast guidance throughout their married years.

Joyce is survived by her daughters, Marlys Jean (Ray) Houston, and Jewel Michele (Ray) Rey; grandchildren, Kara Doles, John J. Doles, Jr., Lindsay (Doles) Balmer, Kellie (Rey) Smith, Kristopher Rey, Kyle Rey, Jason Houston, Kevin Houston, and Justin Houston; and great-grandchildren, Jake Doles, Lily Doles, Emma Doles, Eve Balmer, Jude Balmer, Elanor Balmer, Mae Balmer, Ethan Smith, Dashiel Smith, Wyatt Smith, Joshua Houston, Jonathan Houston, Jeremy Houston, Tyler Houston, Natalie Houston, Peyton Houston, Madelyn Houston, Reagan Houston, Ian Houston; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marlowe Edward Ray; her parents, and sisters, Charlene Oxley and Bonnie Paine.

Throughout her career, Joyce held several positions, including roles at Younkers Men's Department in Des Moines, R.H. Donnelly Corp. in Nevada, Collegiate Manufacturing Company in Ames, and the Army Air Force Base Depot in Topeka. Her vocation as a special education teacher at Guthrie Center Elementary and Junior High Schools, as well as her service as an adult education instructor at Des Moines Area Community College, distinguished her as a dedicated and compassionate educator.

Joyce was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and later of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her involvement extended to numerous organizations, including: Area XII Developmental Disabilities Council, Iowa Association for Retarded Citizens, Guthrie Center Association for Retarded Citizens, 4-H Club (Camp Leader and Recreation Director), Girl Scout Leader and Camp Leader, Hawkeye Recreatory Committee, Order of the Eastern Star, Altoona, Iowa, Hospice of Central Iowa, Hospice of the Rapidan, Culpeper, Virginia, Daughters of the American Revolution, Silver Senior Club, Culpeper, Virginia, AARP Widowed Person Services, Friendship Force of Des Moines, Iowa, Culpeper Virginia Literacy Council and the Museum of Culpeper History, Culpeper, Virginia.

Her commitment to her faith and community was further demonstrated through her service at church youth camps, Special Olympics, teaching in Saltillo, Mexico, and her work at the Manuelito Children's Home, Gallup, New Mexico, Navajo Mission, as well as a winter mission at the Mesa Arizona Temple.

Joyce's love for her family and devotion to her students was evident throughout her life. She valued time spent with relatives and friends, especially her great-grandchildren, whom she encouraged through games and learning. Her legacy is one of kindness, educational advancement, and selfless service.

A graveside service will be held at the Nevada, Iowa Cemetery, 1025 1st Street, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11 a.m., and a memorial service in Culpeper, Va., at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joyce's memory to Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Charlottesville, Va. 22911.

Joyce will be remembered for her unwavering compassion, dedication to community, and enduring love for her family. Her example will continue to inspire those privileged to have known her.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada, Iowa, has been entrusted with the arrangements for Joyce. Condolences may be shared online with the family at www.rasmussonfh.com.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home

1418 Fawcett Pkwy - Nevada, Iowa 50201