Vena L. Ray

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, godmother, and friend, Vena Russell Ray, who left us on December 30, 2023, at the age of 88. Vena was born on February 20, 1935, in Newburgh, NY, and was the youngest daughter of William and Sophia (Skipwith) Russell. She was a graduate of Newburgh Free Academy and later attended SUNY Cobleskill, where she met her future husband, Claude, whom she married February 20, 1957. Vena would go on to work in the Early Childhood Center at SUNY Cobleskill, and after taking advantage of Skidmore College’s University Without Walls program, she eventually earned her bachelors from Skidmore, and her masters from Nova Southeastern University, and eventually joined the faculty of the Early Childhood Program, where she worked until retirement in 2000.

Upon retirement, Vena stayed very active in the local community, dedicating much of her time to her work as a Certified Lay Speaker for the United Methodist Church, where she substitute-preached at churches in and around Schoharie County and provided pastoral care to elderly hospital and hospice patients. In 2002, she formed the singing duo “The Rays of Sonshine”. This duo traveled to churches through the capital district to preach the gospel through song. She was also known to perform and officiate at weddings, providing her angelic voice for these important occasions. But her most important work in retirement was executing the role of grandmother to her seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Hosting sleepovers, attending sporting events, and providing a grandmother's love that knew no bounds came effortlessly to her and provided memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Her love of music and children guided much of what she did in life, and her kindness, symphony of warmth, and the world’s best hugs positively impacted thousands of people along her way.

Survivors include her three sons: M. Kevin (Marcia) Ray of Carlisle, Kent A. Ray (Cathi Hedman) of Sprakers, and Kurt (Deborah) Ray of Clifton Park; her brothers: Skipwith “Teenie” Russell of Sacramento, CA and Lee “Butch” Russell of Newburgh; seven grandchildren; Aaron (Marissa) and Jordan (Krystal) Ray, Jessica (Amy) Ray, Marissa and Taylor Ray, McKenzie Ray and Austin Becker; two great-granddaughters, Josephine Vena Ray and Charlie Rose Ray; one god-son; Joseph Collins; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Claude V. Ray; five brothers: Vincent, Raymond, James, Francis, and Franklyn; and two sisters: Bernetta and Julia.

A funeral service will be held at the Cobleskill Methodist Church on Saturday, January 6 at 2pm with NancyLee Harrington officiating. Family and friends are also invited to a period of visitation to be held on Friday, January 5 from 4-7pm at Mereness Putnam Funeral Home at 171 Elm St. Cobleskill, NY. Spring interment will be in the Lutheran Cemetery in Schoharie, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Barnerville Methodist Church, PO Box 184, Howes Cave, NY 12092.

For those unable to attend in person the funeral service will be live streamed on the funeral home Facebook page.