COLUMBUS

Madesta Ruth Thomas Ray, 97, of Columbus, and formerly of Hope, passed away Monday, Nov. 16, 2015, at Silver Oaks Health Campus in Columbus.

Born Nov. 10, 1918, in Anderson, she was the daughter of Walter H. and Frances H. Beatty Thomas. On April 22, 1940, she married Charles P. Ray, who preceded her in death March 12, 1998.

Madesta had lived with a daughter in Seymour for seven years before moving to Columbus. She was a homemaker most of her life.

Survivors include her children, Lynn Hedden of Seymour, Virginia (David) Palmer of Indianapolis, Anita (Tom) Beeker of Hope, Charles (Kim) Ray of Hartsville, Roxanne (David) Lortz of Flat Rock and Nancy (Jay) Shoaf of Hope; 19 grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, Robert A. Ray and Richard P. Ray; a grandson, Daniel T. Beeker; and a stepgrandson, Dave Palmer.

Cremation is planned, and a private ceremony will be conducted by the family at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Premier Hospice, 319 N. Ewing St., Seymour, or through Norman Funeral Home in Hope.

Online condolences may be made at normanfuneralhome.net.