Obituary of Raymond Orval Woodbury

Raymond Orval Woodbury was born on July 20, 1933 in Monroe, Michigan. He was one of three boys born from the union of his parents: the late Harry F. Woodbury Sr. and the late Alice M. (Bosenbark) Woodbury. Ray met and married the love of his life: the former Jo Ann Complo November 3, 1951 and together started a family of their own. To support his family, he worked for Sears as a service Technician for 25 years until retiring in 1995. He learned so much throughout his working career, he wrote a book on small appliance repair to share his experiences and knowledge.

Ray was a lifetime member of the Moose Lodge and the Fraternal Order of Police and former member of the VFW. He received his spiritual nourishment by attending St. Paul’s Lutheran in Monroe. He remained active within the church helping with blood drives and served as an usher until his health declined.

He loved spending time with family at the cottage on Marr Lake in Irish Hills as family was most important to him. He loved cherished moments with his grandchildren and great grandchildren at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Christmas’s in July celebrations.  He possessed a wonderful sense of humor and an ability to make those around him laugh are just a few things that will be missed by those closest to him.

Raymond Orval Woodbury, age 85, of Monroe, passed away on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at his home. His passing is preceded by his beloved wife: Jo Ann Woodbury; his brothers: Harry Woodbury Jr. and Ralph Woodbury Sr. and his parents.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his children: Thomas (Ann) Woodbury, Susan Harrison and Timothy Woodbury; his grandchildren: Laurena (Daven) Bhavsar, Rhiannon (Karlton) Gray, Cara (Vu) Kong, Christina (Donald) Stump and Heather (Ryan) Hass; his great grandchildren: Adelyn, Dominic, Liliann, Carina, Veyla, Gwen, Lahni, Serenity and Nevaeh and many extended family members and friends.

Friends may gather on Sunday, December 16, 2018 from 2:00-8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will be held on Monday, December 17, 2018 at 11:00am also at Merkle’s. Entombment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe immediately following the service.

Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration, share a photo or send a floral arrangement by visiting our website at www.merklefs.com.