FREDA BELLE RAY

Freda Belle Ray, 89, of Aurora passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Willard Care Center in Willard. She was born in Cassville on Dec. 1, 1935; the daughter of Loren and Velma (Starkey) Smith.  
She graduated from Cassville High School and was a member of Faith Full Gospel Church in Aurora.
On March 11, 1955, she married Clinton Ray Padgett, who preceded her in death.  On July 31, 1999, she married James Leon Ray, who also preceded her in death.  
Surviving are her son, Gene (Meliah) Padgett of Kansas City, Kan.; three daughters: Gaylene (Jim) Hart of Independence, Mary (Don) Ostermeier of Vista, Calif. and Bonnie Atchison of Shawnee, Kan.; one step-son, Steven Ray of Aurora; two step-daughters, Teresa (Don) Andrus of Battlefield and Pamela Pace of Springfield; two brothers, Dennis (Shirley) Smith of North Carolina and Randall Smith of Texas; two sisters, Maxine Stockton of Cassville and Willadean (Kenneth) Lane of Springfield; 10 grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by both husbands; her parents; three sisters: Glenna Smith, Naomi Ray and Geneva Dutton; one brother, Darrel Smith; two brothers-in-law, Rodney Dutton and Duane Stockton; two sons-in-law, Randy Pace and Larry Atchison and two sisters-in-law, Barbara Smith and Vera Smith.
Services were held on Monday, June 9, at Faith Full Gospel Church in Aurora. Arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Pastor Rex Mooneyham conducted the services. Burial was at Clio Cemetery in Jenkins.