Ray Leon Zorbaugh

Ray Leon Zorbaugh of Temperance Michigan died peacefully on Thursday September 5th, 2024, at Hospice of NW Ohio surrounded by his family.

Born on April 29th, 1945, in York, Pennsylvania. Ray was the son of Eugene and Mildred (Whetzel) Zorbaugh. He graduated from Central York High school in 1963. Like all of his brothers Ray joined the military (USAF) after high school. On the steps of the USO hall of the Air Force in Sacramento CA, he met the love of his life Ilene Georgette Girrbach on May 2nd, 1964. He bet her he could beat her up the stairs as he trotted on by. Three months later on August 10th, 1964, they wed at Fort Sutter Chapel in Sacramento, California and they were together for almost 60 years. Like every family, they had their ups and downs, but they could never stay apart very long. Ray took care of Ilene until she passed away in March of this year from Alzheimer's. He wanted more than anything to make it to 60 years and they almost did. One could only hope to have a love like they had.

1967 Ray and Ilene moved to Newport Michigan when Ray went to work for Detroit Edison at the Trenton Channel plant. From there Ray made a career with DTE holding many positions from Operator to Chairman of the Union to retiring as Shift Supervisor at Monroe Power Plant in 2003. He was honored to serve as MC at many of the DTE retirement parties. He had such a way with words, and he always made everyone laugh. Many of his coworkers would become great friends through the years.

Ray was a natural athlete and competitor. He played softball for many years with His father-n-law and 2 brother-n-laws.  His position was always left field, and many opposing teams would miss judge they could make it from 3rd base to home if Ray had the ball. Ray then took up Golf and went on to have 7 career hole in ones, with the 1st and 7th with his good Friend, Rich Burger playing with him. Ray would play golf every morning at sunrise and his goal was to complete 18 holes with a score under his age, which he managed on a daily basis.

Ray loved traveling to all the casinos in the area with his wife Ilene and they always seemed to come home with winnings. They say good things happen to good people and both Ray and Ilene were so giving a caring to others.

Ray waited for the third week of July every year. During this time, he would meet up with his children in the UP for their annual family vacation. They would fish, golf, shop, take trips to the casino, play horseshoes and cornhole. The best part of family vacation was the bonfires, for every night Ray would tell countless stories of his childhood, his time at DTE and his life with Ilene and his children. The stories never got old and there were always endless laughs.

Left to cherish in his memory is his daughters: Jodi (Don) Herkimer, Heidi Zorbaugh, Jill (Marc) Gauthier, Sons: George (Krys) Zorbaugh and Jacob (Alexandra) Zorbaugh. 11 Grandchildren, 15 Great Grandchildren, Brothers, Butch (Dee) Zorbaugh, Randy (Deb) Zorbaugh. He was preceded in death by his wife Ilene Zorbaugh, His parents Eugene and Mildred Zorbaugh, his brother Sidney Zorbaugh and his granddaughter Miranda Zorbaugh.

A celebration of life is planned for Sunday September 29, 2024, at American Legion Post 514, 11601 Lewis Ave., Ida, Michigan from 2-6pm. At 5pm the Honor Guard and a small remembrance of Ray will begin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of NW Ohio and the American Legion Post 514.