Bonnie Ray

1945-2021
Bonnie Jeanne (Hilson) Ray, 75, passed away peacefully after an extended illness on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at Altercare in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. A daughter of the late Roy M. and Jeanne N. (Hurst) Hilson, Bonnie was born on April 17, 1945 in Canton, OH. Bonnie graduated from North Canton Hoover High School in 1963. She received her bachelor's degree in education from Malone College and her master's degree in education from the University of Akron. Bonnie taught for Springfield Local School District in Summit County for 27 years and enjoyed being hands-on with her students through science experiments and outdoor education. A member of the United Methodist Church of Uniontown for 50 years, Bonnie was a passionate advocate for social justice and served as lay leader for the Canton District and East Ohio Conference. Bonnie was a gifted watercolor artist with a zest for life. She was happiest with a travel brochure in hand-planning wildflower hikes, theatre outings, culinary adventures, and family vacations. Bonnie is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, David C. Ray; kindred spirit daughter Joyce A. Ray of Columbus, OH; brothers and sisters-in-law Lee and Mindy Hilson of Cape Coral, FL, and Jack and Robin Hilson of Tippecanoe, OH; many nieces and nephews whom she adored; and treasured friends. She was preceded in death by sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Jim Workman of Canton. A service to celebrate Bonnie's life will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to OPEN M at openm.org/donate (941 Princeton Street, Akron, OH 44311) or Methodist Federation for Social Action at mfsaweb.org/donate (23 East Adams Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226).