Colleen Colgrove Ray, 89, of Galena died at 3:08 a.m.. Saturday, March 25, 2023 at her home following an illness. Born January 29, 1934 in Galena, Colleen was the daughter of Joe David and Hettie Edna (Densman) Douffet. She was a lifetime resident of Galena.
Colleen graduated from Galena High School with the class of 1951. She enjoyed working with children and worked a period of years as a para at Liberty School in Galena and as a bus aide. She was an active member of St Mary’s Episcopal Church in Galena where she was the first woman elected to the vestry and was a treasurer for many years.
Colleen had been active in the Girl Scouts program for over 50 years, and was awarded a lifetime membership after the 50 years of service milestone. Colleen was on the Board of Directors and served as Chairman of the Board. She enjoyed helping countless young ladies grow into vibrant citizens of their community by serving as a troop leader for many years.
Colleen and William “Bill” Clyde Colgrove were united in marriage March 9, 1952 at Galena. He preceded her in death October 10, 1978. She later married James L Ray Sr. June 29, 1985. He preceded her in death October 3, 2020.
Colleen is survived by her daughter Angela K. Hays (Clifford) of Galena, son William E. Colgrove (Kim) of Galena; two stepchildren, James L. Ray Jr., (Debbie) of Tennessee, and Sheila McMaster (Jose) of North Carolina; a brother, Denny Douffeet, of Galena; three sisters, Reina Nash, of Overland Park, Loretta Grube, Ozark, Mo. and Becky Schurman, of Joplin, Mo. Grandchildren Hannah New (Ethan) of Galena, Kelsey Colgrove (Micah) of Overland Park, , Elizabeth Turner (Robert) of Joplin, Mo., Kyler Colgrove (Amanda) of Maryland, Corey Colgrove of West Virginia, Ryan Schurman (Kristy) of Oklahoma, Kaley Haynie (Sam) of Tennessee, Dustin Ray (Catherine) of Texas, Carly Valles (John) of North Carolina; great-grandchildren Greyson and Keaghan New, Keira and Alaina Colgrove, Evan and Abigail Colgrove, Arabella Turner, Kayley and Avery Schurman, Isaac, Rylee and Madison Haynie, Fallon and Madeleine Ray, Juliana, Avalon, and Gwendolyn Valles; along with many nieces and nephews also survive.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 22 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, at Galena.
Private burial will be held at a later time at Lowell Cemetery, at Lowell..
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St Mary’s Episcopal Church in care of the funeral home.