Kathleen C. Ray passed away on July 30 at Mary Imogene Bassett Memorial Hospital, Cooperstown, of complications following surgery.

Mrs. Ray was born in Walton on October 14, 1924, to Joseph and Rose Stasio Cetta, both of whom predeceased her. The greatest joy of her life was her marriage to Edward Ray on August 27, 1944. Mr. Ray predeceased her in 2001 in Port Charlotte, Fla., where they spent their retirement years. Following his death she returned to Walton.

Mrs. Ray was a personality in Walton, well-known for her work at the family business, Cetta Brothers Shoe Store and her self-employed catering service. Her beautifully decorated wedding cakes celebrated many marriages in the village and environs. Prior to her retirement in Florida, Mrs. Ray worked in food service and instruction at the State University at Delhi. She took pride in her food preparation and created much enjoyment through it. She graduated from Walton Central School and Albany Business College.

Mr. and Mrs. Ray were long-time campers and bowlers, and in addition to bird-watching, she read voraciously.

Most important to her were her children in whom she took great pride, and all of whom survive. They are Patrick (Anita) Ray, Anne-Marie (Paul Denning) Ray, and Matthew (Lorraine Couch) Ray. She is also survived by their children: Marcel, Morgan, Jesse, Tara, Lucas, Benjamin, and Trisha (Jason). Her grandchildren were sources of great pride and joy to her, and they loved her well.

Well-known as a member of the Italian community in Walton, Mrs. Ray also leaves behind sisters Clara Salisbury of Rochester, Minn., Concetta (Jack) Findlay of Batavia, NY, Leonora (Ugo) Cianciosi of Vestal, NY, and one brother, Mauro Cetta of Bradenton, Fla. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

Kathleen Ray's passing leaves her hometown missing an outspoken and formidable personality, and many will feel her absence. Memorials to the Walton Fire Department will be gratefully accepted. A life-long communicant of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Mrs. Ray will be honored by a mass of Christian burial on Friday, August 3, 2007 at 10 AM and interred in the Walton Cemetery beside her husband.