Former Manalapan-Englishtown Schools Teacher Dies at 83

Marian Ray, 83, of Monroe, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013. Marian was born Marian Irene Hartung in Belvidere in 1929 to parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hartung. Marian graduated from E. Stroudsburg State Teachers College and taught in New Castle, Delaware before marrying her husband, William N. Ray of Beth Page, NY on Aug. 14, 1954. William and Marian were married for 55 years and resided in Beth Page, NY, Manalapan, NJ as well as Whiting, NJ after their retirement.

Marian worked in the Manalapan-Englishtown School District as a kindergarten and second grade teacher for 19 years.

She was recognized by many parents and former students as a special educator who was energetic and kind and always made learning fun. Marian was an avid reader and loved to write. Other hobbies included crocheting, listening to music and volunteering at Cares Health Center in Whiting, NJ. After her retirement, she and her husband moved to Whiting, NJ, where they lived together until his passing in 2010. She spent the last three years of her life at the Waterside Villas in Monroe.

Marian is survived by three of her four children, William Ray, John Ray, and Nancy Varley and 12 grandchildren, to whom she was very devoted. She is predeceased by her husband, William Ray and her daughter, Debra Ray Rice.

Marian Ray was a devoted mother, grandmother, teacher and friend and will be deeply missed by all who loved her. She touched so many lives with her loving spirit.

A memorial service will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church, 91 West Main St., Freehold, NJ, 07728. Reverend Ronald Sager from United Methodist Church in Cranbury, will be officiating.