Gayle Ray

Gayle R. (Ludwig) Ray, 89, of Reading, passed away Monday, March 10, 2025 at the Lutheran Home at Topton. 

She was the widow of John E. Ray Jr.

Born August 24, 1935 in Reading, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Howard “Bud” Ludwig and Jennie Hassel. 

Gayle graduated from Reading High School and received her associate degree from Reading Area Community College. During her working years she worked as an optician at Sears optical and Souders Moll Izzo & Calder Ophthalmic Associates. She later retired at the age of 62. 

In Gayles free time she loved to watch golf and in her younger years she would play from time to time. Gayle loved to travel and would especially enjoy her cruises. You could always catch her reading a Tom Clancy mystery book or with ice cream in her hand. What brought her the most joy was spending time with her family. She had a strong love for her grandchildren and great grandchild. 

Surviving are two daughters: Pamela, widow of Stuart Lilly of Austin, Texas and Teresa Manzolillo-Gadomski, wife of Paul of Bluffton, South Carolina. 

Also surviving are three grandchildren: Robert Gadomski; Haley Gadomski; and Kayla Fischer. 

As well as one great grandchild, Aria Roa-Fischer.

Gayle is survived by one sister, Christine (Ludwig), wife of Thomas Rapp of Exeter Township. 

She was predeceased in death by one daughter, Kim, wife of Robert Fischer of Bern Township. 

A viewing will be held on Thursday, March 20th, from 10 A.M. - 11 A.M. at Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale, PA 19605. A service will take place after at the same location. Burial will follow at Berks County Memorial Garden Cemetery, Fleetwood, PA. 

Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., Laureldale is in charge of arrangements. 

For online condolences please visit www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com 

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