Ray Earhart

Ray F. Earhart, age 84, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at Mitchell Village Care Center on January 1, 2013.

Ray was born on March 21, 1928, in Adeza, Iowa. His parents were Frank and Ethel Mae (Cloake) Earhart. He attended Lohrville schools and was a stellar athlete in baseball, football, and basketball. His love of sports continued throughout his life, as he was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Chicago Cubs fan. He enjoyed nothing more than cheering on his children and grandchildren at their athletic events. Ray graduated high school in 1945 and enlisted in the Navy. He served his country during World War II. In 1946, he united in marriage to Mable (Amy) Geisinger. Ray and Mable were accomplished bowlers and avid horse racing fans. They moved to Altoona in 1993 following Ray’s retirement from United Fire and Casualty Insurance Company as an insurance adjuster. Upon moving to Altoona, they became members of the Altoona United Methodist Church, where they were faithful attendees. Ray’s faith and family were very important to him, and he was an inspiration and model for many.

Left to honor Ray’s memory are his loving wife of 66 years, Mable (Amy) Earhart; his son, Mitchell Ray Earhart of Altoona; daughter Kristi Mae (Eldon) Dorsey of Wiota, and Tami Lynn (Chuck) Bredlow of Altoona. Survivors also include his grandchildren: Mindi Dorsey Gardner (Corey) of Johnston, Brett Dorsey (Steph) of Adair, Clayton Earhart of Altoona, Amanda Dorsey Graham (Ryan) of Atlantic, Clinton (Angie Mayes) Earhart of Altoona, Katie Bredlow of Altoona, and Courtney Bredlow of Altoona. Also surviving are seven great-grandchildren: Dylan Earhart, Chloe and Joselyn Gardner, Sophie and Blaize Dorsey, and Aubrey and Astelle Graham. Ray will also be missed by numerous family and relatives.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Ivan; two sisters: Gladys Kelly and Genevieve Ealy; and his step-mother Elsie Earhart.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, January 5, 2013, at the Altoona United Methodist Church. Family will be present from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. to greet family and friends, with memorial service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Luncheon will follow at the church with inurnment and military honors at the Altoona Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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