Dora Lee Ray

A funeral service to honor Dora’s life will be held on July 7, 2026, at 2:30 PM at Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center in Creston, with a livestream available for those unable to attend in person. Following the service, interment will take place at Graceland Cemetery in Creston. Family and friends are warmly invited to join a Celebration of Life Gathering afterward at the Creston Eagles Club. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, please consider a memorial contribution to the family via the link below. Dora will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Dora Lee (Bolinger) Ray, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026 in Creston, Iowa, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 13, 1950, in Creston, Dora spent her life deeply rooted in the community that she called home.

Dora was a woman whose strength, kindness, and dedication defined her every day. Dora graduated from Garden Grove High School in Garden Grove, Iowa. She was united in marriage to Ron Ray on February 6, 1970, in Maryville, Missouri. Together, they built not only a home, but a lifetime of memories, and were blessed with three beloved children: Ronnie, Shawn, and Dorie. Dora and Ron shared a partnership that extended to their work life as well, owning and operating Ron's Handyman Service in Creston for over 30 years. Dora was never one to be idle, and her commitment to working side by side with Ron spoke volumes about her diligence and loyalty.

Her devotion to family was limitless. Dora is survived by her children: son Ronnie (wife Crystal) Ray, daughter Shawn (husband Matthew) Lillie and daughter Dorie (husband John) Shiltz, all of Creston, Iowa; by her 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; She also leaves behind several cherished siblings and their families: sister Margie Keener, brother Floyd Bolinger and spouse Kay, Ron Bolinger and spouse Del, Melvin Bolinger and spouse Sharon, as well as Doris Bolinger, Georgia Springer, and a wide circle of other extended family and friends. Dora’s presence will be missed at every gathering, holiday, and quiet morning alike.

She mourned the loss of her beloved husband Ron, along with her great-granddaughter Ariana Holle, her brothers Junior, Lowell Dean, Robert “Doc” and Clark Bolinger, her sister Viola Wahl, her father Rex Bolinger, and her mother Austie Spencer, all of whom preceded her in death. Their memories remained alive in her heart, guiding her days and inspiring her kindness.

Dora’s life was also full of joy outside of her work and family. She loved going dancing on Wednesdays at the Chicken Inn, where her laughter filled the room and her spirit was contagious. Dora was an enthusiastic fan of the WWE, and she delighted in spending time watching the stock car races at Adams County Speedway. Coffee time at the Family Restaurant was a cherished ritual—first shared daily with her dear Ron and, after his passing, lovingly continued with her daughters Dorie and Shawn and friends Patty and Nick.

The legacy of Dora Lee Ray lives on in the lives she touched. Her work ethic, humor, generosity, and devotion to family are gifts she leaves behind—treasured memories that will guide and comfort her loved ones for generations to come.