Obituary of Ray Hurlbutt

Ray Hurlbutt Jr., of Niles, passed away at his home on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 surrounded by his family, following an extended illness. He was born on December 17, 1919 in Buchanan to the late Ray B. Sr. and Freda Mae (Schrumpf) Hurlbutt. On February 9, 1944 Ray married the love of his life, Helen Lunn, at a ceremony at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Niles. Together they have shared sixty-five wonderful years. Ray served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy for over 25 years, where he obtained the rank of Chief Quarter Master. Ray spent most of his time on the following warships; USS Charleston in 1944, the USS Catron 1946, then in 1950 he spent time aboard the USS Worsester, upon completing his time there he went aboard the USS Lenawee in 1952. Life on the open seas was not finished yet, in 1957 he was on board the USS Forrestal and finally before retiring he stepped onto the deck of the USS Sturtevant. Following Ray's discharge from the Navy, he went on to share his love and passion with others as a recruiter for the Navy. He officially retired on January 1, 1969 and continued his journey of life enjoying the outdoors God created. Ray was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. He was a proud member of the Niles American Legion Post 26. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Melvin and Burton Hurlbutt. Ray is survived by his wife Helen Hurlbutt of Niles, three sons; Ryan (Diane) Hurlbutt of Niles, Phillip Hurlbutt (Mark Ramer) of Cassopolis and Gregory (Karla) Hurlbutt of Niles, three daughters; Theresa (Ron) Redman of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Sandra (Jim) Booth of Keizer, Oregon and Colleen (Greg) Hunt of Mayville, Wisconsin, eleven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.