Mike Raya
Alton |
Mike J. Raya, 85, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2015 at 7:40 pm at Alton Rehabilitation and Nursing in Alton, IL. He was born in Hutchinson, Kansas on May 8, 1929 to the late Delfino and Pat (Juarez) Raya. He married Consuelo “Connie” Gonzalez on January 2, 1947 in Hutchinson, Kansas. She preceded him in death on May 1, 2013. Mike served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict; he was also a boxer for the military. He then went to work for the Olin Corporation in the packaging department packing bullets. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alton, IL where he was an usher for many years. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by four children; Miguel “Mike” and his wife Barbara Raya of Alton, Adelita Lakin of E. Alton, Melissa Diana Stroder of Wood River and Jesus Raya of St. Louis, MO, six grandchildren; Raquel Kroencke, Tony Raya, Henry Mendoza, Della Stroder, Lanna Stroder and Grace Mitchell, fourteen great grandchildren, two sisters; Lucy and Carmen, one brother, Bennie, and many nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, wife, three sisters, and three brothers and one son-in-law, Steve Lakin,
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm, Monday, March 9, 2015 at the Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Alton, IL
Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 am, Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alton, IL.
Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Alton, IL.
Memorials may be directed to the Wounded Warriors Project.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
