Michael Louis Ray, 61, loving husband of Gina Lucas Ray, passed away at Prisma Health Toumey on February 5, 2026.

Michael was born in Spring Valley, IL. He was the son of Patricia Passini and the late Michael Joseph Ray. He attended Hall High School in Spring Valley and graduated in 1982. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force and graduated from training in 1985. After proudly serving for 26 years he retired as a Senior Master Seargent.

Michael married his first wife, Diane, in 1987 and they were together until her passing 2010. He met Gina in 2018 and they married in 2022.

In addition to his wife he is survived by two sons, Joshua Patrick Ray and wife Ingrid of Crystal Lake, IL, and Matthew Stephen Ray, of Seattle, WA; two stepsons, Michael George Barwick, of Sumter, SC, and Robert Bruce Barwick and wife Lauren, of Chapin, SC; his mother, Patricia Passini; two sisters, Geralyn Opsal and husband Don of Florida, and Delores Evert and husband John, of Princeton, IL; six grandchildren, Johan Ray, Diana Ray, Lindsey Barwick, Addison Barwick, Mason Barwick and Christian Barwick.

Visitation will be 10:00-11:00 AM, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 at the Horner-Merritt Funeral Home in Mendota.  Graveside service will follow the visitation st 11:30 AM, Monday, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Mendota, IL..