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Deborah Ray Obituary
TROY – Following a long battle with ovarian cancer, Debbie died peacefully at home in the arms of her loving husband Tim and surrounded by her cherished family. Tim & Debbie were married December 22, 1974 in St. Paris, Ohio.
She was preceded in death by her parents Ray and Mildred (Faehl) Traylor of St. Paris.
She is survived by her sisters and brother: Peggy (William) Bowers of Troy, Kurt (Susan) Traylor of Rosewood and Lisa (Jim) Vassar of Urbana. Additionally she is survived by her daughter Jacqueline (Scott) of Burke, VA, and grandchildren Mackenzie Dickson and Mitchell Dickson; stepdaughter Sandi Todd of Indianapolis and grandchildren Stephanie Todd and great-grandson Micah, Chelsea Todd (Corbin Massa), Victoria (Cory) Hadley, Sam Todd; stepdaughter Rebecca (Todd) Bilbrey of Bloomington IN; and stepson Mike Ray and grandchildren Brandon Ray, Corey Ray, and Olivia Ray in addition to many nieces and nephew and great nieces and nephew in her extended family.
Debbie graduated from Graham High School, St. Paris, OH, in 1967, Ohio Northern University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, and achieved a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in 2003. Debbie's career highlights included working for such mission driven organizations as Administrator for The Ohio Quality and Productivity Forum where she worked with the late Dr. W. Edwards Deming; Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton as Director of Marketing and Communication and subsequently Patient Satisfaction; and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement of Boston working as a quality improvement adviser internationally to improve healthcare globally.
Her many interests included travel, gardening, reading and nature. She was loved by many and will be remembered for her warmth, gracious spirit, and generosity to all.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Debbie's many caregivers, doctors, nurses and administrators who gave generously of their time during numerous treatments and care, and ultimately to Hospice of Ohio Hospice of Miami County for offering compassionate end-of-life comfort.
Debbie asked that memorial contributions be made to either The Dayton Literary Peace Prize Foundation, P.O. Box 461, Wright Brothers Branch, Dayton, OH 45409-0461; the Brukner Nature Center, 5995 Horseshoe Bend Road, Troy, OH 45373, or to Ohio Hospice of Miami County, 937-335-5191 or hospiceofmiamicounty.org.
A private celebration of life will be held by the family. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.bairdfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Ray
4 Entries
Diane Bradley
March 15, 2023
I still have the card on my desk announcing Deb's passing, and just looked at it last night. To me, that signifies the friendship we had since the first remembrance I saw was Deb's smiling face; she always was smiling. Peace is with you now and always, Deb.
The Welker family
April 27, 2022
We're so sad to hear of you and your family's loss, Tim.
Debbie was such a kind and thoughtful lady. She poured love into our children, especially , the times we spent with you both. My family is honored to have known her and to call you both our friend. God rest her soul and we'll keep all of you in prayer.
Doug Vanscoy
March 25, 2022
Debbie Traylor will be forever young to me. We shared many classes at St.Paris Elementary and she was always the prettiest girl in the room. It is comforting to know she had such a full life. My condolences to Tim and family.
Charles and Donna Hormell
March 20, 2022
We felt privileged to know Debbie. She was such a warm, kind and beautiful person in every way. She had great compassion and was a great listener. When you spoke with Debbie, she focused so intently on what you were saying, that she made you feel like you were the only person in the room. Such a rare quality. Debbie made you feel good just by being in her presence. She seemed to radiate a ray of sunshine wherever she went. Debbie had so many talents and blessed so many people, that she will be sorely missed. We will miss her. Surely, there is another angel in heaven.
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