Lydia Ray Ludwig

Lydia Harless Ray Ludwig, 90 of Ripley, was taken home by her Lord on May 4, 2018 after a long illness. She was born November 1, 1927 to the late Lyburn Bernie Harless and Belva Lockwood Brown Harless. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her first husband, Arvel G. Ray Jr. and second husband Delbert Ludwig; four brothers, George Harless, Lyburn Harless Jr., John Harless and Fred Harless; three sisters, Lois Harless Whiteneck, Dorothy Harless Fields and Marie Harless Brogan. Lydia is survived by her sons, Roger Lee Ray and Gerald Lynn Ray; daughter Christina Ray Dunbar; brothers James Harless and Charles Harless; grandchildren Carrie Ray Bernard, Vanessa Ray Gude, Jesse Dunbar, Lindsey Dunbar Dobbs, Victoria Nicole Ray Sosnowski, Valerie Annett Ray, Alexandria Lauren Ray Ford and Haley Elizabeth Ray; step-sons Steve (Vicki) Ludwig and Paul Ludwig; brother-in-law Robert Ludwig and step grandchildren Daniel and Margaret Ludwig. She is also survived by several great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, in-laws and many friends. Lydia was a graduate of Scott High School with the class of 1946, and was known as a lady of faith and was always active in her church and community. Although raised in the country, she was not a country girl and was much happier in the city. Happily married, she kept a well maintained home and raised a typical middle class family at a time when a single income was enough to provide a good living. Never one to sit still, after the children were raised, she entered the business world and was quite successful in cosmetics and fashion. The love of her life departed this earth much too early, leaving her alone in her middle age. However, she was able to find love again with her second husband. Her later life was filled with travel and happiness. Loved by everyone who knew her, she was a woman full of love for her family and friends. Another love was the one she had for her Mountaineers, and she never missed a game if she could help it. She cherished being Nana and was beloved by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Near the end of her life she suffered from various health problems, to which her indomitable spirit finally succumbed. She is loved and missed by all who knew her. Funeral Service will be 11:00 am Thursday, May 10, 2018 at the Epworth United Methodist Church, Ripley with Rev. Ford Price officiating. Friends may call on the family on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 from 5 to 8 pm at the Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Committal Service and Burial will be in the Hill Cemetery, Julian, WV on Thursday at 3:00 pm. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com