Nancy Jean Ray, 92, of Rockford, passed away on January 22, 2026.

Nancy was born in Rockford on January 12, 1934, the daughter of Arthur and Helena “Lena” Baker. She graduated from West High School, Class of 1952. Nancy went on to begin her career as an administrative assistant for many years before retiring from Rockford Memorial Hospital. She was a dedicated member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she was actively involved in the Senior Task Force, Altar Guild, Trinity House and took minutes for church meetings. Nancy was also very proud to model for several Rockford area business manufacturers including Roper Stoves and several others.

Things that brought Nancy the most joy in life included her dear family and friends, traveling, shopping, interior designing and decorating for the holidays, cooking, baking, and sharing her delicious recipes. She will be remembered fondly for her love of chocolate, her admiration for artwork including paintings and sculptures, and for her caring nature of helping those in need, no matter who they were. Nancy had a true gift and talent for bringing the joy of every single holiday to life each year. She couldn’t wait to put up her decorations and build her endless collection along the way. Nancy was loved by all who knew her and will be dearly missed.

Surviving relatives include her son, Timothy (Jennifer) Ray, grandchildren, Courtney, Nicholas, Benjamin and Lucas Bankord, Abigail Ray (Isaiah Garmin); great-grandchildren, Devin, Ezra and London; special friends, Lynn Swanson, Tom Cuper, Bob Myers, and a special thank you to Brian and Nancy Larkin for their kindness, care and assistance to Nancy. 

The family would also like to thank the facility and staff of Heritage Woods of Belvidere, the doctors and nurses of Javon Bea Hospital in Rockford and UW Health Carbone Cancer Center Rockford, especially Dr. Merat Karbasian-Esfahani and Kristin Rindt, PA-C, for all of their kindness and care for Nancy.

Nancy is predeceased by her parents, daughter, Melissa Ray; brothers, Bill and Roland Baker; sisters, Arlene Richardson, Lorraine Johnson and Helen Higar. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Nancy’s name to Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary 111 North 1st St. Rockford, IL 16107.

Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108. Burial will be in Arlington Memorial Park, Rockford, IL. 

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