Delores Ray

Delores “Dee or Dee Dee”  I. Ray, age 88, a resident of Shoreview, MN passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

Dee was born on July 28,1936 in Comstock, WI to Andrew and Esther Yourchuck.

She lived her youth in Siren and attended Siren High School, graduating in 1954 with honors. She was a baton twirler in the Siren band, loved participating in school plays, debate and forensics. She loved her hometown and maintained a cottage here until her transition.

In 1964 she married Bill. In her words “One of the best things that ever happened to her”. They lived in Shoreview, MN and ran a ballroom in Renville, MN on the weekends for 8 years. At the time Lonnie was just old enough to run the popcorn machine. Sometimes Bill would suggest going on a picnic in the afternoon before the evening dance to add some fun to the weekends.

Just after they were married Dee was looking for a new job. She was offered a job at Merrill Lynch and even though she hesitated; Bill encouraged her to take it. She received her securities license while there, but they did not allow women brokers at the time. A young man she worked for Tom Mulvaney soon left to become a Sales Manager for John G. Kinnard. He offered her a job as a stockbroker, which is what it was called before Investment Advisor’s where she remained until retiring. She enjoyed working in the industry and the people. As her mom told her “I am not worried about you as you like to visit”.

Outside of work, Dee enjoyed traveling with her granddaughter, Nicole and her friend, Joan Smith. She loved the theatre and attended often. Other hobbies included writing children’s stories and dance.

Dee was a member of the Center for Spiritual Living in Minneapolis which was based on the book “Science of the Mind” by Ernest Holmes.

Dee was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents, Andrew and Esther; sisters, Carole May Shrewsberry and June Thomas; and brother, Ronnie Yourchuck.

She is survived by her son, Lonnie (Sherri) Ray; granddaughter, Nicole (Joe) Swentek; sisters, Beverly McNair and Lois Daye; brother, Joe Yourchuck; great grandchildren, Farrah and Wylder; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM with a visitation from 1-2 PM at the Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Siren. Interment will follow at Siren Lakeview Cemetery.