Kathryn Sue (Ray) Handley

Kathryn Sue Handley, age 77 of South Bend, passed away with her family by her side on Sunday morning, September 5, 2021, at the Center for Hospice, Raclin House in Mishawaka. Sue was born August 12, 1944, in Hardy, Arkansas. Her parents, Rubert J. Ray and Dorothy (nee Russell) Ray-Badgero preceded her in death.  On June 12, 1964, she married Jerry A. Handley in South Bend, Indiana.  They recently celebrated 57 years of marriage. 

Jerry survives, along with their daughter Kathy Schramm and her husband George of Edwardsburg, Michigan and her daughter-in-law, Norine Handley of Mishawaka.  Her son, Daniel A. Handley preceded her in death in April of 2020.  Surviving as well are her grandchildren whom she adored, Jaclyn Schramm, Ian (Sydney) Schramm, Kristopher (Ashley) Handley and Kirsten Handley.  Sue is also survived by her sisters Carolyn Simpson and her husband Don of South Bend, Dottie Prout and her husband Les of Constantine, Michigan and Lottie Holt and her husband David of South Bend, along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will be held from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Friday, September 10, 2021, at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola. Pastor Gordon Wonsey will officiate the 1:00 pm funeral service on Friday, September 10, 2021, and interment will follow in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Funeral Services may be streamed in real time on Friday through the link provided below.

Sue was employed as a manager with JC Penney Custom Decorating for many years before her retirement.  Blessed with an eye for decorating, Sue always enjoyed setting the table beautifully for every holiday throughout the year.  One of her many talents was painting and she continued to create her art until her eyesight would no longer allow her to do so.  She was a longtime member of “Donna Dewberry’s One Stroke Painting Group” and made lifelong friends across the world because of her love of painting.  She also enjoyed spending time outdoors and loved gardening and growing flowers.  Sue also shared her faith in the Lord as a longtime member of Harvest Church of Christ in Mishawaka. 

Most of all, Sue loved her family, especially her grandchildren.  She spent many years doing arts and crafts with them, and like all good “Benaw’s,” (the grandkid’s nickname for her) she loved spending time with them and spoiling them rotten.

To share a story of Sue’s life, light a virtual candle in her memory, or leave a message of condolence for her family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.

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