James "Ed" Ferguson

Ray William Hartman, age 87 of Roanoke, passed away Saturday, September 21, 2024 at his home. Ray was born June 5, 1937 to the late William and Mattie Hartman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of over 64 years, Christeen Hodges Hartman, sisters Ruth Leffel, Thelma Brumfield and Irene Hylton; brothers Ralph, Alvin and Harry Hartman, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Annabell and James Hodges. Ray was a devoted member of the Church of the Brethren, born into the Red Hill congregation, but spent most of his life serving the Lord at the Monte Vista Church of the Brethren. He spent countless hours mowing for the church and he enjoyed singing in the choir. For a long time he played for and helped coach the church softball team.  If Ray wasn’t mowing his neighbors’ lawns, he was probably watching a game on TV, 4-wheeling, or grilling burgers for his family. He worked hard his whole life and had fond memories of his years working for the Dr. Pepper company and serving as a local EMT. He retired after working many years at the Hotel Roanoke. Surviving are his sons and daughters-in-law Alan Hartman (Diane), Dale Hartman (Kathy): granddaughters Tabitha Rudy (Dan), Mattie Wertz (Kevin), Randa Hartman and Kortney Hartman: great grandchildren Evelyn and Josie Rudy and great grandson Jacob Wertz; step grandchildren Colleen and Catie Wertz; sister-in-law Peggy Hartman; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Marilyn Donahue (Leonard); brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ray Willie Hodges (Shirley); numerous nieces and nephews.  The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the caregivers and chaplain from Carilion Hospice and caregiver Marilyn Donahue. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be made to Monte Vista Church of the Brethren.Graveside services will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Thursday from Monte Vista Church of the Brethren Cemetery (weather pending). His family will be receiving friends from 10-11 am at the grave prior to the service.  Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home, Rocky Mount, VA.