Olivia Haisty Ray

Olivia (Haisty) Ray, 87, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and cherished friend went home to be with her Lord and Savior and beloved husband on Tuesday, March 28, 2017.

Olivia was born June 4, 1929, in Monticello, AR, where she graduated from Drew Central High School in 1947. She was voted most popular in her class, as well as voted the most valuable basketball player. She was a soloist in her church and school. Olivia was a telephone operator in Shreveport, LA, where she met her husband. She married James (Jim) T. Ray on June 5, 1949. They lived in Ruston, LA, until her husband graduated from Louisiana Tech. The couple moved to Fort Worth, TX, in 1953, then to Richland Hills, TX, in 1955. She and her husband were long time members of Richland Hills Baptist Church. She served as a choir member, Sunday School teacher for preschool and junior high, camp counselor and cook, and on various church committees.

Olivia also worked along side her husband, Jim, in the children’s church and bus ministry at Richland Hills Baptist Church. She dearly loved her Sunday School class, the Ruth Class.

In addition, Olivia volunteered in the local schools and received the PTA Lifetime Award. She served on the Richland Hills Sesquicentennial Committee that wrote the History of Richland Hills, published in 1986. She authored The Enon School Began (A Sketch in History), published in March, 1997.

Olivia loved God’s Holy Word and could often be found sitting in her recliner, pen in hand, reading and studying the Scriptures. She was a great listener, a loyal friend, and kind to all. She was a wonderful Mom, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, and friend. She will be greatly missed.

Olivia was preceded in death by her husband Jim Ray, and her loving parents Arbie and Louise Rash Gatzke of Monticello, AR; and one brother Donny Haisty of Covington, WA. She is survived by her three children: Olivia Sue Gilbert and son-in-law John, of Granbury, TX; James (Jim) N. Ray and daughter-in-law Keri, of Temple, TX; Carol J. Morgan and son-in-law Ronnie, of Keller, TX. She is also survived by 4 brothers: Delmar Gatzke and sister-in-law Sharon, of Tulsa, OK; Ronny Haisty of West Monroe, LA; Bobby Haisty and sister-in-law Barbara, of West Monroe, LA; Billy Haisty and sister-in-law Shirley, of West Monroe, LA; and by 8 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, family members, and lifelong friends.

The family would like to thank Gina Forrest for her respectful and loving care. Her words of encouragement brought peace and joy to Olivia and her family.