Billie J (Ingram) Ray

Billie J. Ray, 73, of Kokomo, formerly of Peru, passed away peacefully in her sleep at 5:45 AM on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Waterford Place Health Campus, Kokomo. She was born in Cincinnati, OH on February 26, 1950, the daughter of William “Dutch” Ingram and Pearl J. Brindle.

Billie Jo Ray, an (explicative) Legend.  She will never be forgotten by anyone who met her for even five minutes.  She was adventurous, opinionated and self-proclaimed gypsy.   She was Mama Ray to her kids, her kid's friends, and any animal she ever met.  She was the definition of the phrase, “She would give the shirt off her back,” but we tried to not put that one to the test!  Life came at her in every form, and she darn sure put it in its place.  Under the exterior we all adored was the most tender and fragile heart. Hallmark was successful in part due to our momma’s heart and soul.  Other than her children, her passions were the Cincinnati Reds and Michael Jordan of the 90’s Era. Fishing, gardening, watching the Weather Channel and mastering Doctor Mario occupied much of her time over the years. She often became lost in her passions…oh wait, that was the casino!  Or was it downtown Dallas?  All joking aside, which mom would completely deem appropriate, our mom was handed lemons by the bushels, and we were never short on lemonade. She gave when she had little and never asked for a thing. She is already sorely missed and will forever be remembered and celebrated.

Billie is survived by her children Tammy (Ron) Collins, Tracy (Gregory) Hedrick, Terri Ballengee, Tonya (Richard Scott) Gregory, Tommy (Amanda) Ray, Gene Ray, Katherine Sellers, Marianne Ray Wheatley and Norman Ray; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; several cousins and extended family in Cincinnati, including her cousin Diane Mara.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son Johnny Ray, daughter Michelle Ray,  and brother Harold Saunders.

A service celebrating the life of Billie J. Ray will be held at 5:00 PM on Monday June 26, 2023, at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St., Peru with Rev. Jeff Haill officiating. Family and friends will gather from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, Monday at the funeral home prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made through the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home to New Hope Pet Rescue in Syracuse, IN.

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