Leona Helen Ray, 84, of Florahome, FL, passed away on March 14, 2024. She was born in San Diego, CA on February 26, 1940, to the late Ronald and Helen Mary (Vanyo) Ray. At the young age of 2, Lee (along with her mother, brother and sister) survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. As a 1958 graduate of Barboursville High School, Lee enlisted as a Marine until 1963. She attained the rank of Corporal and served as a drill instructor. She attended St Mary’s School of Nursing of Huntington, obtaining her WV RN license in 1967. She worked as a nurse for many years in Cleveland, Mississippi before relocating to Florida. She then worked at Palatka General Hospital until her retirement. In addition to her parents, Leona was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Ray Sibert and a brother, R. Scott Ray. She is survived by: her sister, Justina Heydon of Southhampton, NJ; and her brother, Justin Ray of Milton, WV; and several nieces and nephews. Leona was an avid outdoor enthusiast and pursued her love of the natural world through many venues. She traveled widely on motorcycle throughout the US with friends and family. She was a Charter Life Member of the American Motorcycle Association, enjoying street and dirt motorcycling. She was a faithful member of the Retreads Motorcycle Club. She was a devoted hiker and trail steward, hiking most of the Appalachian Trail and becoming involved with the Florida Trails Association. Noni was a loving sister, aunt and friend; a deeply caring nurse; a proud Marine; and a person who loved life in a way that many never knew. She will be greatly missed. Memorial service will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024 at 1 p.m. at Wallace Funeral Home in Barboursville for close friends and family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace.
