Obituary of Ray Stratton

Ray J. Stratton, 70, of Doniphan, MO, died November 12, 2013, at his residence. He was born June 24, 1943, in Oglesvillie, MO. Mr. Stratton worked in the timber industry for 30+ years and owned and operated Stratton Sawmill. He attended Faith Seventh Day Baptist Church. Ray loved camping, hunting, fishing, bowling but, more than anything, spending time with his family. On November 22, 1961, he married Ruby J. Elliott who survives. Also surviving three daughters: Sandy Johnson and husband Donnie, Tonya Dale and husband Craig, and Jeanna Tillman and husband Gary, all of Doniphan. He had ten grandchildren: Donnie Johnson Jr., Brian (Scotter) Portwood, Amber Fish, Brittany Carner, Josh Portwood, Allen Stratton, Ethan Lewis, Ashley Stratton, Hunter Tillman, and Lily Tillman; two great- grandchildren, Danial Stratton and Faith Fish; and one daughter-in-law, Becky Stratton of Doniphan. Also surviving are two brothers, Sherman Stratton and wife Delia of Ellington, MO, and Gary Stratton and wife Joy of Lake of the Ozarks, MO; four sisters, Linda Britton of Poplar Bluff, MO, Opal Gnocchini and husband, Steve of Buffalo, NY, , Darlene Pittman of Union, MO, and Zola Melvin of Lake Havasu, AZ. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Lear Stratton; his daughter, Carla Portwood and son-in-law, Scott Portwood; one son, James (Jimmy) Stratton; one brother, Eldon (Bud) Stratton; and one sister, Elsie (Tiny) Pankey. Visitation will be Thursday, November 14, 2013, from 5 to 8 pm at the Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan. The funeral service will be Friday, November 15, 2013, at 11 am with the Rev. Ron Elston officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery.