Helen Gertrude (Thomas) Ray, age 78, of Canton, went to be with the Lord on Monday September 6, 2010. She was born in Beallsville, Ohio on February 26, 1932 to Martha Margaret (Adair) and Elmer McKinley Thomas and graduated in 1950 from Beallsville High School. She was the class valedictorian and played clarinet in the school band. After moving to Canton, Helen worked for Timken Company and Union Metal. She met and married Kenneth Ray, a minister for the Church of Christ, and raised their two sons Bill and David. She was an avid writer and wrote many short stories and poems. She was a member of the Northwest Church of Christ. Preceded in death by her husband Kenneth in 2006; sister Verda Ball and brothers Robert and Richard Thomas. She is survived by her sons and daughter-in-law Bill and Bev Ray of Canton, David Alan Ray of Texas; granddaughters Sandi Kocar of Canal Fulton and Jordan Ella Ray of Texas; sister Paulina Willis of Canton; and other relatives and friends including the local nephews and niece: John, Roger, Larry and Steve Willis and Kathy (Brett) Isaacs. Calling hours are Wednesday 6-8 PM in the Arnold Funeral Home and one hour prior to services on Thursday (1-2 PM). Funeral services are Thursday 2 PM in the funeral home with Minister Lance Lindenberger and Minister Keith Kull officiating. Final resting place is West Lawn Cemetery. (Arnold 330-456-7291) www.arnoldfuneralhome.com