Mildred Ida Ray, age 97, of River Falls, WI passed away Friday, July 31, 2020 at the River Falls Area Hospital in River Falls, WI. She was born September 25, 1922 in Ellsworth, WI to Albert and Mary (Brickner) Diess. On October 10, 1941 Mildred was united in marriage to James Ray at St. Joseph Catholic Parish in Prescott. She became a dairy farmer’s wife and homemaker in the Roberts, WI area where they raised their 9 children.

Mildred was a quiet lady with a strong faith and she set an excellent example for her family. She enjoyed traveling with her friends on trips to Rome and Bethlehem among the highlights of her travels. Mildred had many hobbies and interests some of which included cooking, baking, tending to her flowers, playing cards, dancing and doing puzzles. She was a member of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church for many years where she helped and volunteered.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband James Ray Sr. (Jim), parents, Albert and Mary Diess; 5 siblings, Beatrice (Marvin) Worth, Virginia (Herman) Rice, Clarence (Mildred) Diess, Marvin (Alvira) Diess, Joyce (Stewart) Polk.

Mildred is lovingly survived by her children, Janice Ray of Eau Claire, WI, James Ray Jr. (Elaine) of River Falls, WI, Colette (Robert) Lang of Edgar, WI, Rosemary (Leon) Henneman of Ellsworth, WI, Norma Ray of Silver Springs, FL, David (Nancy) Ray of River Falls, WI, Delbert (Brenda) Ray of Clear Lake, WI, Pamela (Ronald) Lang of Marathon, WI, Robert (Nancy) Ray of River Falls, WI; 17 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Bernice Diess; many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Father Gerald Harris will be 11:00 am Tuesday, August 4th at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, 211 East Division Street, River Falls with visitation starting at 10:00 am. Lee Henneman, Jerry Henneman, Jerry Lang, Richie Lang, Andy Kulpa and Ben Ashbach will serve as casket bearers. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Hammond, WI.

Social distancing and masks are required.

Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of River Falls (715) 425-5644.  www.oconnellfuneralservices.com