Vera Amelia Sumwalt Ray, born April 17, 1923, in Hutchinson, died February 2, 2011, at Mennonite Manor in South Hutchinson.

Vera was the daughter of Floyd and Viola Sumwalt and a lifelong resident of Reno County.

Vera was united in marriage to Cecil Ray on July 16, 1961. Cecil preceded her in death in February, 1975.

A longtime member of the Nickerson Southern Baptist Church, Vera served the church as pianist before moving to Mennonite Manor in 2002. She was a self-taught musician, and enjoyed listening to and playing sacred music. She also enjoyed watching NASCAR races, working in her yard and playing cards.

Vera is survived by a sister, Rosalee Bontrager (David) of Hutchinson, in addition to numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth and Doyle, and five sisters, Lucile, Radaetta, Imajuell, Juanita, Erma.

Service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 7, 2011, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, with Pastor Mike McLemore officiating. Interment will be in Wildmead Cemetery, Nickerson, Kan. Calling hours will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the mortuary.

Memorials are requested to the Nickerson Southern Baptist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave a personal message for her family.