Dona Ray

MADISON-It is with great sadness that the family of Dona Mae (Balke) Ray announces her passing. Our beloved Mom died peacefully on Monday, February 5, 2018 following a short rehabilitation period after suffering a heart attack. Mom was still as regal, gracious and spirited at 88 as she was in her younger years and her word was The Law of the Land! Mom was preceded in death by her parents, six siblings, her husband Andy and her son David. Mom is survived by her daughters Terri Ray and Barbara Calderon, her son Don Ray, grandchildren Keli Renda, Emily Zumski-Ray and Logan Calderon, great-grandchildren Amelia and Penelope Renda, and dozens of nieces and nephews.

To those that know and love her, she was always kind and generous, finding a need and filling it. She volunteered as a Den Mother for her son's boy scout troop, was active with the PTA for many years, served as one of the adult leaders for her Church's Youth group, as well as serving her community with that same church's food pantry. She was very active in many groups within the church as well as volunteering for any and all jobs that needed to get done there. She loved the community of Bashford United Methodist Church. She also had a love of singing from a very early age, starting as a young girl when she would join in with her Mother's choir. She belonged to the Monona Retired Chorus, and the Bashford United Methodist Choir. She was also a member of the Madison Red Hat Society. She had a sense of adventure, and that showed when she and her husband would fly somewhere in their airplane to have lunch, or just to go on a short jaunt. She recently went on a cruise to Mexico, as well as visiting Hawaii where she put her feet in the ocean for the first time. She found that thrilling. She will be missed by so many now that she is singing with a new choir. Our loss is their gain.

A celebration of Dona's life will be held on Tuesday, February 20 at Bashford United Methodist Church, located at 329 North St, Madison, WI 53704. Visitation will be held from 10-11 am, the service will begin at 11 am and a luncheon will follow at the church. Burial will begin at 2:30 p.m. at Sunset Memory Gardens in the chapel located at 7302 Mineral Point Rd, Madison, WI 53717.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3325 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
608-249-6666