Following a sudden illness, Ray Neal Selwa welcomed a strong nudge from God lifting him into the heavens during the early morning hours of Feb. 28.

Ray lived out the last two months of life at the home of his daughter, Dr. Karen Williams and her husband Jack Williams, in Westfield, Indiana. Prior to his recent move, he resided in Anderson, Indiana, for 25 years during which time he lost his wife of 66 years and high school sweetheart Betty, in 2018. Ray and Betty also resided in Mooresville, Indiana, for many years where they were church leaders, Ray serving as deacon and Sunday school teacher, at Grace Missionary Church.

Ray retired following a long professional career with Ameritech and a second career with the Internal Revenue Service. While living in Anderson, Ray was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene.

Ray was born in Pontiac, Michigan, in 1933, to Harry Francis Jerome Selwa and Edith Beatrice Crowley Selwa. Ray graduated from Martinsville High School. He and Betty were married in 1952.

Ray played baseball in his teen years and remained an avid fan of the game into his last days.

In addition to Karen and Jack, Ray, who turned 90 last October, is survived by grandson, Jesse Williams and wife, Holly of Zionsville. Great-grandchildren who brought smiles are Graham Harrison Williams, Beau Everett Williams, and Beckett Davis Williams.

Also surviving are grandchildren, Amy Yoder of Marion, and Ben Yoder and wife Amanda, of Carmel.

Preceding Ray in death was daughter, Kimberly, wife of Jared Yoder of Nappanee.

A private burial service will take place at White Lick Friends Cemetery in Mooresville.