Nora "Noni" Elizabeth Bartlett Ray was born on Christmas Day, 1935 in Sheffield, Alabama to parents Robert and Frances Hodges Bartlett. With her younger sister Betty, the family moved to Nashville, Tennessee where she attended school. Noni graduated from North High School in 1953 with honors. After high school, she moved to Houston to start her adult life and career. She initially lived in Houston with her Uncle Eddie and Aunt Charlie Hodges. Her uncle was a Houston policeman and his partner happened to be T. Milton Ray Jr., and they fell in love at first sight. Milton and Noni were married in September 1954. They immediately started their family having Thomas Milton Ray III (Trip) and later Dirk Anthony Ray.

In the summer of 1964, the family moved out to the J-D Ranch in Magnolia, Texas to a way of life more like they had known growing up, living on a working horse and cattle ranch as caretakers. Noni was a country girl at heart and loved gardening and cooking. Her pies were legendary and her recipes are common fare with all of the family. She was a great cook and a wonderful hostess. Noni could set a table and lay out a spread like no other.

She was a dedicated and loving mother of her two sons, never missing a piano lesson or ball practice. She was their biggest fan and would treat their sports teams to the best parties. She was den mom for cub scouts and home room mom at school.

Noni also had a very active professional career. She managed the business administration of Pinehurst Gravel Company while in Magnolia. Milton and Noni moved back to Houston and she took over as the Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO of Goldrus Drilling Company for over 10 years. Later she managed the law offices of Riddle, Murphrey, O'Quinn, and Cannon, a major trial law firm before retiring in 2000.

Noni loved the Lord and was a committed Christian. She walked the walk with a loving and caring spirit and had many close friends. She was involved in ladies leadership, sang amazing alto in choir, led bible study, vacation bible school and volunteered at every opportunity in their Methodist church.

Her love affair with Milton was special. Their mutual admiration was inspiring and lifelong. In their later years, her devotion to Milton and her family continued to grow and brought her great joy. She also enjoyed dancing, concerts and music. She especially loved listening to her sons play guitar and sing together.

Noni is survived by her husband of 68 years Milton, her younger sister Betty Donaldson, her son Trip and daughter-in-law Paula Ray, and son Dirk Ray Sr. Her grandchildren Chelsea and husband Cameron Duckett, Courtney and husband Trey Stephens, Devyn Ray and husband Alex Villarreal, and Dirk Ray Jr. And she adored her great grandchildren Audrey Stephens, Emma Duckett, Austin Stephens, Madison Duckett and Dylan Stephens. And numerous extended family. Noni will be missed immensely by countless friends and all who knew her.

~ 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Services for Noni are set for 2pm Friday August 5th at St. Stephens United Methodist Church, 2003 W. 43rd St. Houston, Texas 77018