Ray Shaver

Ray R. Shaver was born in a farmhouse in the flatlands of northeast Arkansas on November 20, 1934, to Minitry Shaver and Dona Elizabeth (Early) Shaver. He grew up in Manila, Arkansas with his five siblings, Ruth (Vernon) Foster, Milo (Hazel) Shaver, Eugenia (Bud) Bibbs, Jake (Marie) Shaver, and Fay (Danny) Cox.

By age 15, Ray was an expert projectionist able to alternate reels between two theaters in his hometown without missing a frame. Eventually he was promoted to theater manager. When he was 16, his mother, now Bessie Wortham, sent him to Michigan to live with his father so that he could pursue a future better suited to his aspirations and dreams.

During the summer of 1953 in Benton Harbor, Michigan, he met the love of his life, Anne Elizabeth Hough Randall. After dating for less than a year, they were determined to be married once their car was paid off and they had $100 in a bank savings account. Ray gave her a diamond ring when she graduated from high school in June of 1954, and they were married on July 30,1955. They honeymooned in a cottage on Pine Lake, beginning their tradition of vacationing near a lake or ocean. Anne’s family was very excited, as Ray had become a wonderful big brother to her six younger siblings.

Ray was employed in sales as an executive account manager for City News Agency, later known as Southwest Michigan News, a wholesale book and magazine distributor. He was instrumental in promoting the first purchasing of lower cost softcover textbooks and reference books in the universities of Kalamazoo.

During the early years when raising their children, Cathy, Tim, and Amy, they lived on the south side of Kalamazoo on Milham Road near the airport. Ray had a keen interest in aviation. Even in recent days you would often see him carrying one of his Smithsonian Air & Space magazines to read. Their home was surrounded by apple orchards, corn fields, raspberry bushes, and vegetable gardens. Ray and Anne taught the children to love nature and all of God’s creatures. Ray was always catching a gopher, frog, or snake. They often had turtles, lizards, and cats as pets. When the children grew older, the family moved to Milwood where they had a more domestic pet, a poodle terrier mix named Pepsi. Ray had a special bond with Pepsi who would follow him wherever he went, staying by his side especially when he was outside hoping for a run around the lawn. Ray supported the children in their hobbies and interests and often helped them with their math homework. He was always in a teaching mode as the children helped around the house and yard. And when it came to injuries or health challenges, he was always on high alert.

Ray was a proficient skin diver and scuba diver. In the 1960s, as president of the Diving Denizens club, a group specializing in underwater recovery operations, he helped organize the Water Safety and Recovery Association for the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department. He received the “Diver of the Year“ trophy award in 1965 and 1966. He was also a certified scuba instructor.

In addition, Ray was an active member of the Kalamazoo YMCA. His favorite sport at the time was paddleball. In the early 1970s he was a member of the Board of Directors and led the annual membership drive several years in a row.

During that time, they attended Milwood United Methodist Church where Ray helped Anne teach Sunday school. In 1977 they moved to Lawton. They soon became active members at Lawton Evangelical Church. Ray served for years as Chairman of the Trustee Board, served on the Deacon Board, and distributed benevolence funds. He also ushered, sang in the choir, and later helped in the nursery for the mom’s group.

Later in life, as a second career he sold office furniture and supplies for Michigan Office and Equipment Company and lastly Zemlick Brothers Office Supplies, a division of Boise Cascade.

In his retirement Ray was happiest working outdoors at his home in Lawton, Michigan. There he and his wife cultivated two acres into a beautifully landscaped lawn to be enjoyed by their family and friends. In July 2007 they received the honor of first place “Garden of the Month” by The Carnegie Garden Club allowing the property to be enjoyed by the touring public.

Ray’s family was his joy. All 32 recently gathered to celebrate Ray and Anne’s 69th wedding anniversary which would have been July 30th. This included their three children, Cathy (Rob) Krieg, Tim (Lori) Shaver, and Amy (Tom) Lohrmann, along with the families of his six grandchildren, which includes 12 great-grandchildren. Cathy’s family consists of Carly (Jonathan) Rykse, their three sons; Renee (Ben) Belloli, their three children; and Natalie (Ross) Nave, with their two sons. Tim’s family includes Ashley (Jason) Tolbert, their two sons; Brianne Shaver and Cortez Lake, with their two daughters; and Austin (Katy) Shaver. A visit from any one of them was always a highlight of his day. It was after this wonderful family gathering that Ray made the decision to forego any more treatments for his cancer. He had fought multiple myeloma for five years. His only concern in leaving this earthly life was that his precious wife Anne would be taken care of.

That was Ray - The strength of his character was evident, his honesty, his work ethic, his attention to detail, and his dedication to his family and friends. Everyone who knew him commented on how friendly he was and what a sharp dresser he was, right down to his socks. Because of his faith in Jesus Christ, he now rests in the strong arms of his Savior.

Ray Shaver of Kalamazoo died peacefully in his home on July 24, 2024, surrounded by family. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 31, from 12-1 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A Life Story Service will begin at 1 PM. A reception with food and refreshments will immediately follow in the Life Story Center.

Celebrate Ray’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Heritage Community of Kalamazoo Foundation Legacy Fund, Bronson Cancer Center, or Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.