BARBARA M. DRAY, 85

EAST LIVERPOOL – Barbara M. Dray passed away peacefully at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2017 in the presence of her loved ones at her home at Turkana Hills, which she shared with her husband, David, who had lovingly cared for her throughout her lengthy illness.

A daughter of the late Ethel Sanford Brozka and Harold E. Brozka, she was born at home in East Liverpool on March 7, 1932. Her mother, Ethel, passed away when Barb was just a young girl, and she was raised by her step-mother, Mary Florence McLane Brozka, who also preceded her in death.

She was a 1950 graduate of East Liverpool High School and had spent her entire life in this area. As a young woman, she had worked as an operator at Ohio Bell. Later, she was the office manager for the family business, Dray Excavating.

Above all, she was a devoted wife, mom, grandma and friend. Always kind, she loved helping others, especially by giving words of encouragement and support. For many years, she attended Faith Community Church and appreciated working alongside her friends there with various meals and other community outreach projects. She also served the Lord by being a quiet and faithful comforter, assisting those who needed a ride or a shoulder to lean on during difficult times. Her friends and her family knew they could always count on her to be there, and she considered it an honor to be of service.

Her husband, David, survives her at home. They were married on January 19, 1957 and celebrated 60 years of marriage this year; one was rarely seen without the other.

Also surviving is her son, Daniel D. Dray and his fiancée, Sue DiFusco-White, of East Liverpool, as well as her beloved grandsons, Drew Dray and his wife, Kiley, and Brock Dray, all of East Liverpool. There are three great-grandchildren as well: Henley, Maci and Aiden, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family who were very special to Barb.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her step-sister, Beverly Jean Doherty and her husband, Thomas “Doc” Doherty.

Friends may visit at the Dawson Funeral Home on Friday, where the family will be present from 6 to 8 p.m.
Barb’s neighbor and friend, Rev. Dr. Vel Vais of Glenmoor Presbyterian Church, will officiate at a funeral service to be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Following the service, family and friends will gather at the Dawson Family Center for a continued time of fellowship and lunch.

Burial will take place at Longs Run Cemetery.