Ruth Shields Ray

    Ruth Shields Ray, 90, of Dallas, N.C., passed away Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, with her loving family by her side.
    Mrs. Ray was born on March 24, 1931, in Culberson, N.C., and was the daughter of the late George and Flossie Shields.
    Mrs. Ray worked at Wix Corporation for 42 years.     
    She was a devout Christian of the Baptist faith.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in passing by her husband, Garnett Ray of 61 years; sister, Ruby Gaddis; and brothers, Clinton and Ray Shields.
    Mrs. Ray is survived by her brother, James Harford Sheilds; daughter, Robyn Martin and husband Ray of Gastonia; two sons, Jack Ray and wife Chris of Dallas, Jeff Ray and wife Sheila of Shelby, N.C.; five grandchildren, Jackson Ray and wife Bobbie Lynn, Matthew and Courtney Martin, Kelly and J.J. Murray, Jennifer and Matthew Pennington, and Haley Ray; 10 great-grandchildren, triplets Heath, Hudson and Harper Martin, Gabriel and Phillip Pennington, Chandler Dellinger, Reagan Murray, Isabella, Hayven and Tyler Ray, Terry Huss, mother of Jackson and Kelly and Crystal Ray, mother of Haley Ray; bonus great-grandchildren, Coleby Murray, Grayson Giles, Cassidy and Aiden Vaughan; and numerous nieces and nephews.
    The family received friends from 1-2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, at Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, with Pastor Jerry Pennington officiating.
    They followed the Covid protocol and required masks to be worn.
    The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region.
    Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com for the Ray family.