Muriel A. Ray
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Muriel A. Ray

Muriel A. Ray, 93, of Petrolia, PA passed away Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Lancaster General Hospital.

She was born January 25, 1925 in Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, LA, the daughter of Joseph P. Ruffino, II and Alice A. (Lewis) Ruffino Stalenski.

Muriel spent her youth in Louisiana but left after meeting Merle "Brownie" Ray when he was stationed at DeRidder Air Force Base in Opelousas during World War II. The two married on October 14, 1944 and lived in Maryland for a short time before returning to Merle's home town of North Washington. Muriel dedicated her life to caring for her family and she also helped her husband run his business, Ray's Esso gas station, later Ray's Exxon. Reading and playing cards at home were two of her favorite hobbies and she was a member of the Community Alliance Church of Butler. Muriel will be remembered for her kind spirit and will be greatly missed.

Her memory will be cherished by her sons, Thomas G. Ray and wife, Kimiko, of Petrolia and Merle Ray, Jr. and wife, Holly, of Strasburg; daughter, Deborah A. Hallman and husband, Bob, of Lancaster; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Muriel was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband of 65 years, Merle Ray, who died July 25, 2010; brother, Harold J. Ruffino; and half-sister, Charlene Boyd.

Relatives and friends will be received from 11 AM until the time of funeral services at 1 PM on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at the Bauer-Hillis Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 102 S. Argyle St., Petrolia, PA, with Pastor Joe Floris officiating.

Burial will be in North Washington Union Cemetery, North Washington, PA.

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Muriel A. Ray