Joan Ray

Joan Carol Ray, 83, of Crookston, MN, passed away Thursday evening, August 4, 2022, at the Benedictine Living Community Crookston.

Joan was born in Detroit MI on September 17, 1938, the 2nd of 4 children of the union of Adolph Edward and Mamie (Morin) Rhode. At the age of 4 she moved with her family to Thief River Falls, MN and then later to Crookston where she lived with her grandparents. She began her education in Crookston schools and then moved with her sister, Betty, to the Good Shepherd Home in the Twin Cities, which was sponsored by the Catholic Church. On December 29, 1956, Joan was united in marriage to Dennis Ray in Crookston. In the coming years they became proud parents to Deborah and Trina. In 1973 Joan began working at American Crystal in Crookston. After several years she became employed at Hugo’s Grocery Store where she loved to work until her retirement in 2006.

Joan was a longtime member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. She liked going to garage sales, but her real passion was for crafting and together with her sister, Betty, making porcelain dolls. Her kids would say that she loved to yell at them, but they never took her seriously. Joan will be sadly missed.

Survivors include her 2 daughters, Deborah Ray and Trina Mason, both of Crookston, MN; 6 grandchildren: Dennis Brule of Crookston, Hollie (Steven) Cunningham and Ashley Shelton of Minneapolis, MN, Crystal Ray of Grand Forks, ND and Nick Stroot and Kayla Olson of Crookston; 8 great-grandchildren: Dennis Jr., Carissa, Junior, Calvin, Brandi, JJ, Journey, and Jaden; 2 brothers, Edward Rhode of Grand Junction, MI and Dale (Rosie) Rhode of Minneapolis; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Ray; parents, Adolph and Mamie Rhode; sister, Betty Johnson; and parents-in-law, Ervin and Esther Ray.

Joan’s life will be celebrated with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 11, 2022, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston with Msgr. David Baumgartner, presiding. Visitation with the family will be for one hour prior to the funeral. Burial will follow in the Oakdale Cemetery in Crookston.

Messages of condolence may be offered at www.stenshoelhouske.com