Barbara Ann Mayer Ray, age 80, of Crockett, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Saturday, August 29, 2020, due to complications from stroke, at the Winfield Nursing and Rehab Center of Crockett.

Barbara was born March 4, 1940 in Bay City to parents Walter D. Mayer and Elizabeth Sherrer Mayer. She graduated from Bay City High School in 1958 and attended Wharton County Junior College. Barbara married the love of her life, Steve Clinton Ray, in Bay City on August 23, 1959 and they moved to College Station where she worked for Texas A & M University while Steve finished his degree. The family moved to Houston in 1961 and then to Lake Jackson in 1964 where they made their home for 53 years. After retirement, Barbara and Steve moved to Crockett in 2018.

Barbara was instrumental in organizing the Diabetes Support Group of Lake Jackson and served as the Director for over 32 years. She held monthly meeting for well over 100 people, and spent thousands of hours educating them in Diabetic Care and securing free diabetic supplies. Barbara won many accommodations and awards from numerous organizations in her work for Diabetes Care. She is well known around the United States for her help in setting up programs and organizing health fairs.

Horticulture was another love of Barbara's, she was known as the "Rose Lady". She had over 100 rose bushes at their home in Lake Jackson and spoke to numerous Civic Clubs and organizations. Barbara was a Certified Texas Master Gardner; Plant Propagation Specialist; completed training in the Texas A. & M. Earth Kind Program; certification in Earth Kind Integrated Pest Management; Environmental Stewardship and Service to Others; member of the National Rose Association; Houston Rose Association; Lake Jackson Garden Club; Crockett Garden Club; and was on the Advisory Board for Brazoria County Agriculture Extension Service.

Barbara was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Lake Jackson and Grace Lutheran in Crockett. She spent her life helping and caring for others, but her greatest love was for her family. She never missed cooking a meal or running her own household.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 61 years, Steve C. Ray of Crockett; sons, S. Douglas Ray and wife, Barbara of Austin, Christopher A. Ray of Crockett; grandsons, Tyler Ray and wife, Alyssa of Austin, Dylan Ray of College Station, Spencer Ray of Dallas; great-grandson, Jaxon Ray of Austin; numerous other loving relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Elizabeth Mayer; and brother, Donald W. Mayer.

Memorial services for Barbara Ann Mayer Ray will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2020 in Grace Lutheran Church, Rev. Thomas St. Jean, officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Barbara's name to Grace Lutheran Church, 925 W. Loop 304, Crockett, TX 75835 or the charity of your choice.  Online condolences may be left at www.callawayallee.com