Donnie Muzette (Corrick) Ray

Donnie Ray (Corrick) went to be with her Jesus on Monday, February 12, 2024. Donnie was born July 15, 1934, in Deerfield Minnesota. She was the fourth of 8 children born to Marshall and Hazel Corrick.

Donnie was raised in northern Minnesota around a multitude of family members. She graduated from Laporte High School in 1953, and in November of the same year, she married Wayne Bennett. They made their home near Walker Minnesota for the next four years.

In 1955, their first son Mickey was born, followed by their daughter, Shelly a year later. They then moved to New Hampshire, where in 1958, their son, Larry, was born.

A short time later, the family relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area and in 1960 they had their son, Mike, followed by their daughter Rosie, ten years later.

In 1981, Donnie’s husband Wayne was severely injured in a fall and passed away some time later. She found love a second time in 1985 and married Joe Peterman. They traveled together often, visiting their close to 20 combined siblings, and lived in Fremont CA until his passing in 1996.

God in His mercy allowed her to love a third and final time and in 1998, Donnie married Wally Ray, whose parents and siblings had been family friends for over 60 years. Donnie and Wally made their home in Ramona, CA for nearly 20 years until his passing in late 2017.

Donnie & Wally probably found the most joy together traveling in their RV. They spent many summers in the Wenatchee Valley in Washington state, where they visited and enjoyed time with so many mutual family and friends.

Donnie began her Christian walk when she was in high school, and for the remainder of her years, she was a devoted follower of Jesus. Her life was most notably marked by her Christian example of freely and faithfully giving to others.

During her time of living in the Bay Area in the early 70’s, she learned sign language, and this began her love for the deaf community. She used her sign language skills to interpret services at the Evangelical Free church in Fremont, and as that ministry grew, it expanded to include a separate church service exclusively for the deaf.

Donnie’s faith was a constant and vital part of her life. She attended several churches in various locations and assumed leadership roles in all of them. She taught Sunday school, led bible studies, was involved in prayer groups, served on committees, and used her musical talents to lead worship.

Donnie and Wally were members of First Christian church in Ramona, CA for many years, where they developed deep and lasting friendships with their loving congregation.

Donnie was survived by her four children, Shelly Starkey (Bennett) of Sacramento, CA, Larry Bennett of Ramona, CA, and Mike Bennett and Rosemary Bennett of Lakeside, CA. In addition, she is survived by three stepdaughters Joanne Rodrigues (Peterman) of Newark, CA, Dianne (Eric) Mc Carty (Ray) of Big Bear, CA and Wendy (Jeff) DeKorne (Ray) of Ramona, CA. Also survived by brother Marshall (Peggy) Corrick of Watertown WI and brother Mike (Rosalie) Corrick of San Jose, CA. In addition, she left behind close to 50 grandchildren and great grand-children, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son Mickey, sister Kathleen, brothers Lee, Delmar (Pedro), Clarence (Zeke) and Richard (Rick).

Services will be held Saturday, February 24, at 11:00 am at First Christian Church 1970 Vermont St Ramona, CA. 

Bonham Bros. & Stewart Mortuary and Cremation Service is assisting the family.

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