Obituary of Ray Stanley Hruby

Ray Hruby, 83, lifelong resident of rural Oxford, died Wednesday, April 22, 2020. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by family. Ray Stanley Hruby was born November 16, 1936, the son of Stanley and Ethel (Mueller) Hruby. Following graduation from Oxford High School in 1955 he attended Iowa State University until joining the United States Army to serve his country. On June 25, 1964, Ray married Shirley J. Swenka at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oxford. He devoted his life to his faith, family, and farm. Quick to laugh and generous of spirit, he never met a stranger. He loved sports and cheering on his children and grand-children at Clear Creek-Amana School athletic events. He enjoyed a good rodeo and had a 40-year streak of vacationing at the Sidney Iowa Rodeo every summer with his wife and good friends. A long-time member of the Oxford Methodist Church and Oxford Lions Club; he believed in giving back to his community. He was a happy man when he was surrounded by family and friends, had an ice cold pepsi, and a game of bid euchre to play! Ray is survived by his wife, Shirley; their six children, Ramona Walker, Moria Lewis (Greg), Luke Hruby (Susan), Joy Sweeney (PJ), Jill Downes (Tim Kovacevich) and Jessica Uhlmann (Brandt). Fifteen grandchildren, Danielle Lewis, Michael Lewis (Jessica Fitzgerald), Mark Lewis (Hannah Seaman), Mitchell Walker, Macie Walker, Emma Hruby, Claire Hruby, Alexa Sweeney, Elizabeth Sweeney, Melissa Sweeney, Gracie Downes, Greta Downes, Jacob Uhlmann, Wyatt Uhlmann, and Ethan Uhlmann; and Ray’s brothers and their wives, Lloyd Hruby (Marie), Richard Hruby (Merlene), Donald Hruby (Lucille), brother-in-law Harold J. Larew and numerous nieces and nephews. Ray is preceded in death by his parents, sister Lue Ellen Larew, and son-in-law, Matt Walker. Memorial services will be held at 2pm, Thursday, July 9, 2020 at the Oxford United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 12 noon until service time at 2pm at the church. Burial will be at the Anderson Cemetery near Swisher. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Ray’s memory to Oxford Fire Department/First Responders or the Oxford United Methodist Church. To share a thought, memory or condolence with his family please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com .