HELEN J. RAY September 27, 1949 – January 27, 2019 SOUTH BEND – Helen J. Ray, 69, of South Bend, passed away early Sunday morning, January 27, 2019 at Memorial Hospital. Helen was born September 27, 1949 in Kirkland, Washington, to the late Julius and Betty (Hamilton) Steyaert. She was raisedduring her teenage years by her foster-parents; Lloyd and NancyTaylor of Lydick, IN.
She graduated from Washington High School. She also attended Ivy Tech and took classes in Commercial Art. Helen had worked as a news videographer at WSBT and as a graphic artist for WNDU.
In addition she worked as a veterinarian assistant for Lakeville Veterinary Clinic. Helen was a freelance artist, specializing in oil paintings of horses. On August 24, 1985 in South Bend, Helen married Lewis Q. Ray; he survives.
Surviving are her husband of thirty-three years; Lewis Q Ray of South Bend, son; Ted (Deedee) Beveridge of Nashville, Tennessee, foster-mother; Nancy Taylor of Lydick, two grandchildren; Brooke and Chloe Beveridge. Brother; Phillip Steyaert of South Bend, half-sister Paula Lassiter of Arlington, Washington, half-brother Ted Abernathy of Seattle, Washington,Stephen Taylor (Suzette) of New Bern, NC, David Taylor (Lorraine) of Lincoln, NE, Katherine Taylor of South Bend, nieces, Holly Hamilton, Christy Jones, nephews, Rod, Mark Jones. She was preceded in death by her parents, foster-father and brothers Mike Jones, Rodney Jones, Dan Morgan.
Helen was an avid photographer who had taken hundreds of beautiful photographs of her life experiences. She enjoyed traveling with her husband to places such as Hawaii, Lake Tahoe, The Rocky Mountains and many other beautiful places throughout the United States. During the winter months Helen and Lew liked to go snowmobiling.
She also enjoyed flower gardening. Helen had a passion for horses that began at an early age introduced by her mother. Her love for horses continued throughout her life, participating in competitive trail riding, countless horse shows and equine events.
One of Helen’s favorite activity was pleasure riding with her close friends at various state parks around the country. Helen sincerely enjoyed working with young children and horses, passing along some ofher experience and knowledge. Helen made her finale ride on her beloved horse named Runner just a few weeks before her passing.
Visitation will be from 4-7PM Saturday, February 2, 2019 at the Palmer Funeral Home – Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana. A Memorial Service Celebrating Helen’s life will be at 2:00PM Sunday, February 3, 2019 at the funeral home with Fr. Julius Okojie officiating.
Online condolences may be directed to the Ray family at www.
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