Ray Garlinghouse, 93, passed away October 1, 2024 at Independence Village in Petoskey.

He was born to Ray and Genevieve Garlinghouse, July 31, 1931, in Boyne City, Michigan. He graduated from Boyne City High School in 1949, where he discovered a talent for Math.

Ray married Donna “Susie” Hausler, February 7, 1953, and welcomed four children into their lives: Darlene, Darwin, Joyce, and Michael. Ray and Donna were married 62 remarkable years, enjoying family life through camp-outs, traveling to many states and simple family times together.

Ray sailed on the Great Lakes with the Pittsburgh Steel Company for four years before being drafted into the United States Army. He served in the Army from 1955-1957, training as a Medic.

After the Army, he interviewed with McLouth Steel Corporation, moving up the ladder first in the Chemical and Metallurgical labs for 12 years, and ending his career 26 years later, scheduling Production Planning and Control. He retired in 1993.

Ray and Donna lived in Trenton, Michigan with their family for 38 years, then moved to Naples, FL and in the summers, lived in Alanson, Michigan for 18 years. In 2012, they moved to Independence Village, where with loving concern, Ray cared for Donna with her dementia until her death on December 25, 2014.

Later, Ray met Betty (Reid) Zipp as a bowling partner at the Village. The friendship grew. For six years, Ray cared for Betty, who also had dementia. Ray called Betty his ‘very special friend’. Betty passed away on October 4, 2023.

Everyone enjoyed Ray’s on-the-spot sense of humor. Before you knew him well, he appeared to be a quiet, thoughtful fella. Ray was methodical and steadfast in whatever he did. He enjoyed getting to know people, and preferred working quietly behind the scenes.

Ray volunteered for whatever was needed. At Independence Village, Ray was Director for the Chapel for four and a half years, and Treasurer for six and a half years. He always seemed to help in unobtrusive, gentle ways.

Ray will remain close to many hearts with fond memories. He is survived by his children Darlene Ficek of Southgate, Michigan, Darwin Garlinghouse of Gaylord, Michigan and Joyce Whitlow of Southgate, Michigan; his three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and his two great-great grandsons.

He is preceded in death by his wife Donna Garlinghouse; his son Michael Garlinghouse; and his very special friend Betty Zipp.

Ray loved the other residents and staff at Independence Village, and the wonderful care from Hospice of Petoskey.

There will be a funeral service at Stone Funeral Home (2098 E. Mitchell Rd. Petoskey, MI 49770) on Monday, October 7, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. with a one-hour visitation prior to the service. Betty Jackson will officiate. Friends and family are welcome to join for a luncheon at Independence Village immediately following the service (965 Hager Dr. Petoskey, MI 49770).