Raymond E. “Grandpa Ray” Mortimer, age 80, of Monmouth, Illinois, passed
away at 6:35 AM on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center
in Galesburg, Illinois. He was born September 18, 1939, the son of
Thomas J. and Mary Violet (Davis) Mortimer. On April 23, 1977, Ray
married Sarah Wade in Monmouth, Illinois and she is surviving. For
years, Ray owned and operated Ray’s Standard Service in Biggsville,
Illinois. He then worked at the Monmouth Pottery, and lastly, at
Farmland Foods, from which he retired in 2007. Ray enjoyed fishing, word
search books, slot machines, and he purchasing a lottery ticket every
day. Ray was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Cubs. Mostly,
he loved being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ray is survived by his wife of 43 years Sarah, daughter Cindy (Kevin)
Snelson, two sons; Ronnie and Kevin Mortimer, step-children; Becky
Swank, Paul (Terrie) Wilson, Willy Hoopes, and Janet Kronmiller-Lewark,
grandchildren; Ashley Griffin, Phillip Wilson, Lanette Hoopes, Heather
Tartt, Eric Swank, Erica Swank, Elizabeth Snelson, Allyson Ayala, and
Spencer Lewark, one sister, Peggy, and two brothers; Jack and Bob. He is
also survived by twelve great-grandchildren and many other relatives and
friends. Ray is preceded in death by his parents, several sisters and
brothers, and one great-grandson Darion Smith.
As were Ray’s wishes, cremation is being accorded. A Gathering of Family
and Friends is being planned from 11:00 AM-3:00 PM on Tuesday, June 2,
2020 at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth, Illinois. Due to restrictions
from the Covid-19 pandemic, social distancing will be observed. A
memorial fund is being established for Ray’s family. For more
information, or to leave a remembrance of Ray, please visit
www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com.
