Ray R. Schultes
Weekly Ancestor
Challenge – Week 4 - 2014 January 24, 2014
It has been one year
since my dad left us so for this week, I’ve chosen to write about my dad.
Ray R. Schultes
June 20, 1928 – January 24, 2013
Ray R. (Ronald) Schultes was
first enumerated on April 18, 1930 by Johanna Saunders in Cincinnati,
Ohio. He is listed as the son of Earl H.
and Lida Schultes, age 1 year and 8 months. Ray was named after Ray Crimmee, a family
friend, who worked at the courthouse.
All of the children except Harriet were born at the house on Dreman
Avenue in Northside, an area which is also known as Cumminsville which is
located near Knowleton's Corner. Dr.
Hoother/Whother delivered all five of Earl and Lida's babies.
1930 U.S. Census
Household:
Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age
Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace
Earl H. SCHULTES Self
W Male M 28 OH
Plumber OH OH
Lida SCHULTES Wife
F Female W 26 OH
Keeps House OH
OH
Shirley M. SCHULTES Dau
S Female W 3
5/12 OH OH OH
Earl W. SCHULTES Son
S Male W 2
1/12 OH OH OH
Ray R. SCHULTES Son
S Male W 1
8/12 OH OH
OH
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Source Information:
Census Place Ward 22, Block 37,
Cincinnati, Ohio
Ennumerated April 18, 1930 by
Johanna Saunders
1940 United States Federal Census
about Ray Schultes
Name: Ray Schultes
Age: 11
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1929
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birthplace: Ohio
Marital status: Single
Relation to Head of House: Son
Home in 1940: Springfield, Hamilton, Ohio
Map of Home in 1940: View Map
House Number: R11
Inferred Residence in 1935: Cincinnati, Ohio
Residence in 1935: Cincinnati, Ohio
Sheet Number: 5B
Attended School or College: Yes
Highest Grade Completed: Elementary school, 6th grade
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members:
Name Age
Earl Schultes 38
Liha Schultes 36
Shisley Schultes 13
Earl Schultes 12
Ray Schultes 11
Harriet Schultes 5
Jaie Schultes 1
Ray enlisted in Navy at age
17. He often told a story that he was so
small and underweight that he had to eat a lot of bananas before he enlisted so
he weighed enough to enter military service.
After serving in the Navy, Ray enlisted in the Air Force.
Ray R. Schultes
U.S. Navy
3rd Class Petty Officer
1945-49
U.S. Air Force
1st Class Airman
1951-55
Awards:
American Theater, Pacific Theater, Victory Medal
d - Jan.24, 2013
While Ray was stationed in
Mobile, Alabama, he met Margaret Virginia Phillips. She was a slender, dark-eyed beauty, the
daughter of Jesse Varner Phillips and Nonie Harris Phillips of Little River,
Alabama. Margaret was working in Mobile
at the time and living with her sister and brother-in-law, Reecie and Lambert
Mims. Margaret's cousin introduced
them. They dated only about 8 months,
then eloped and married in Pascagoula, Mississippi on August 17th, 1951. Margaret was 17 years old and Ray was 23.
Shortly after they married, Ray was
sent to England. A few months later, Margaret followed and their first child,
Jacqueline Virginia, was born in England on March 16th, 1953. It seems there was an extra person on the
ship headed to England. It was Ray! The orders had been changed but he was not
notified. They knew there was an extra
person but it took a while to figure it out.
Upon Ray's honorable discharge
from the military, the small family returned to the U.S.A. via steamship in
1955 and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio near Ray's family. Ray had been a plumber in the service and
went to work for Fred Toepfert & Sons Plumbing Company.
After the birth of their second
child, Sherril Lynn on Nov 26, 1955, Ray and Margaret bought their first home
at 8886 Neptune Drive in Mt. Healthy, Cincinnati, Ohio. It was a small, three bedroom, 1.5 bath house
in a subdivision named Skyline Acres. Bonnie Rae, February 28, 1958 and Ronald
Ray, March 15, 1959 were both born during the years the family lived at this
address. The children would all attend
and graduate from Mt. Healthy City Schools.
In the summer of 1963, Ray left
his long term employer, Fred Toepfert Plumbing Co., and started his own
plumbing business, Ray Schultes Plumbing.
The business was always run from the family home and was never operated
from a separate location.
Margaret's father died in late
1958 and she inherited land in Little River, Alabama. In 1968, she sold her 50 acres of land to one
of her sisters and used the money from her inheritance as a down payment on a
larger home in the city of Mt. Healthy at 1731 Kinney Avenue. The family stayed at this location until the
children were all grown and gone. They
sold this home and moved into a large apartment where they remained for several
years.
After several years, Ray and
Margaret purchased a condominium at 7603 Granby Way in West Chester, Ohio. It was located within 3 miles of both Jackie
and Sherri.
Over the years, they had acquired
several pieces of property. In late 2002 they moved a beach cottage onto
property they owned in Magnolia Springs, Baldwin Co., Alabama. They lived the winter months in Alabama and
summered in Cincinnati. By winter of
2003, they had decided to sell their property in Ohio and move permanently to
south Alabama.
Dad told me just recently that he
always called the three of us, born late February to mid March, his
"Birthday Babies". He
explained that Mom would always ask him what he wanted for his birthday, which
is in June, and nine months later a baby would come along. I suppose that makes Sherri, born in
November, a "Valentine's Baby"?
Letter to My Dad (This letter was read at my Dad’s funeral by my cousin Dale Mims)
By Jackie Schultes Gordon
Dear Dad,
Since the day I was born, you have
always been there for me. Until
now. But it’s okay, because I know you
were tired and ready to go. You’ve been
ready for a long time now and I am happy that you were not sick or in pain and
went as you did, quietly, sitting in your chair watching TV.
As I’ve aged, and watched you age,
I have been so grateful that both you and mom were still here for all of
us. I think about the fact that you are
84 years old. If we had a book just ten
pages long for each year of your life, we would have a book 840 pages
long. I really wish I had that book
right now. But, for now, I want to share
with you the things that made you so special in my eyes.
First, thank you for loving Mom and
all of us kids and your grandkids. You
always said that when you first met mom you thought she was the most beautiful
woman you had ever seen and always said you still think she’s beautiful. I think it’s awesome that after over 61 years
of marriage you still feel that way about Mom.
You were a tough taskmaster and a
strict disciplinarian but you always loved us.
You taught us to work hard and play hard. You taught us to love and respect God. You taught us to live an honorable life.
Every day, when it was time for you
to come home from work, Mom would wash our face and hands, put her lipstick on
and get our family ready for Daddy to come home. When you pulled into the driveway, we would
all rush out to the car and jump into your arms! We were looking for hugs and kisses and
tickles. No matter how tired you were or
what kind of day you had, we always got our hugs and kisses. We loved it!
One of my very first memories is of
searching for fossils with you. I don’t
remember where we found the fossils but we were living in Clifton then. I remember what seemed like a huge bucket filled
with fossils that we’d found and collected.
We washed them over and over and over to get the muck off of them so we
could see them better. You taught me the
joy of learning for the sake of learning.
I hadn’t even started school but I was learning to love learning about
new things.
We went fishing a lot when I was
younger. It was something you always
enjoyed. You taught each of us to bait a
hook, catch a fish and take it off the line and put it on a stringer. You also taught us to be quiet so we didn’t
scare the fish away. You taught us to be patient as we watched and waited for
the fish to bite. And you taught us to
be observant as we watched the line and the water for clues. Fishing taught us a lot about life.
I remember you helping me learn to
ride a bike when I was 6 years old.
Every day you were out on the sidewalk running behind me and helping me
balance that bike. It was a pretty big bike
for a 6 year old and it was blue. Every
day, you asked my permission first and then you raised those training wheels
for me. You taught me to try new things
and keep pushing for better.
Christmas was always a special time
at our house. Sometimes there weren’t
many gifts because we had some rough years financially. But there were always
gifts. And traditions that were our own.
I remember the years you piped music into the attic and played Christmas music
for the whole neighborhood to hear.
Every year you took us for a walk or a sled ride if there was snow. We walked a ways from the house and then you
spotted Santa everywhere! Suddenly you
would decide he was headed for our house and we needed to get home fast! Some years he had already been there and we
had just missed him! Other years, we
caught dear old Santa in the act and placing our Christmas presents under the
tree. In later years you helped other families
find “Santa” and gave their children the wonderful gift of finding Santa at
their house.
You and mom took us to church and
Sunday school every Sunday. You taught
us to worship and to trust the Lord.
Believe me, I am trusting Him now.
Trusting Him to heal your feeble body and restore your spirit to the
cheerful, happy and loving man I know. I
am Trusting Him to embrace you in His flock of followers in Heaven.
I remember a third grade
assignment. We were supposed to build a
model house. Most of my classmates built
houses out of milk cartons, cardboard and things like that. Not us!
You cut a piece of plywood and we used that for the base. Then you and I sat outside on the patio for
several nights and built a house out of stone and mortar. Next, you helped me make a thatched roof for
that model house. You told me it was
like the stone cottages in England where I was born. That was the best house that anyone made that
year. My teacher asked if she could keep
it and I agreed but have always wished I still had that little stone cottage.
That project taught me to never procrastinate and to go above and beyond what
was expected.
As I reached my teen years, you
became even more protective. The friends
who were able to breach the protective wall you placed around all of us learned
to love you as your family did. They were welcomed with open arms and became
members of the family. They have said
that you and Mom helped shape them into the adults they’ve become. You also
intimidated those with ulterior motives and many just stayed away. Those who were brave enough to stick it out
until they were trusted were enriched by your example and mentoring. They tell me that they understand now that
they have children of their own. You
were a role model for so many right up until you had to leave us.
Remember when your heart was giving
you problems for the first time? You
were so scared when they gave you that dye and you had a bad reaction. You asked me to stay and hold your hand. It was so unlike you to be fearful that it
really scared me. I stayed with you and
held your hand for hours. The reaction
to the dye finally passed and we both knew it was going to be okay. You taught me to be strong and brave and to
fight for my family.
The second time you had heart
surgery, when they did the quadruple bi-pass and the pig valve, we really
didn’t think you would make it then. You
were in surgery for over 12 hours and they couldn’t stop the bleeding. But you made it again. That stubborn Schultes side of you made you
hang in there and stay with us! Thank you for fighting so hard to stay with us. We needed you!
One of the funniest stories is the
day you were helping me put up the gate in the back fence. I was tap, tap, tapping with the hammer
because I was working at an odd angle. You looked over at me and said, “Hit it
Jackie! I taught you how to use a
hammer!” I explained that I was working
at an odd angle and couldn’t really hit it.
A few minutes later it was your turn.
You were tap, tap, tapping away.
I looked at you and said, “Hit it Ray!
Just hit it! You know how to use
a hammer!” You looked at me and grinned
and said, “I guess I deserved that, didn’t I?”
We both laughed and went right on working. You taught us to work hard
and to laugh and enjoy everything, even work.
You and mom always loved golfing
and always wanted me to learn. I
didn’t. Not for many years. But one of my best memories is of being able
to golf with you. I didn’t learn to golf
until I was in my 40’s. You and mom were
in Cincinnati one summer and you went golfing with me the first day and then
two days later you and mom both went with me.
I am so glad you went and so glad I got to experience that with both of
you. It’s probably the last time either
of you went golfing and I’m glad I got to be a part of something that you
enjoyed so much.
You and mom also enjoyed playing
cards and games. When I was little I can
remember you and mom playing bridge almost every weekend. While I don’t play cards or games often, I
can hold my own in card or board games because of you. My kids have been accused of being card
sharks. You never gave them a break
because they were kids. You taught them to play by the rules and they are tough
to beat! But they have fun and laugh while playing. That’s important too. You taught us to have the gift of laughter and
to be able to compete without cheating.
Those are real world skills that you taught all of us.
As I watched you decline physically
over the past few years, I started telling you at the end of every conversation
that I loved you. You would never say it
back and I knew you wouldn’t. That just
wasn’t your way. One day, you told me,
“Jackie, you know I love your Mom and you kids and the grandkids. But, I just don’t run around saying that kind
of thing.”
“I know Pop. It’s okay.
I know that you love us but I want you to know how much we love you.” We
had many conversations about this. He
just wasn’t comfortable saying the words.
He was great at expressing his love for us in so many ways but he just
couldn’t say the words. About a week
before you died, you told me on the phone that you loved me. I should have known then that you were
starting to say goodbye. I did realize
it was a first but I didn’t really understand until later. Thank you for telling me. I wish I had realized the significance of
that conversation but maybe it was better that I didn’t.
Dad, I know you are in heaven and I
hope you are having a grand old time. I
hope you are reconnecting with your parents, brothers, sisters and
grandparents. Your favorite aunts and
uncles will be there waiting to say hello.
Old friends will be there too. I
hope there is someone there to hug you and reassure you that everything will be
all right. I know that when it’s my
turn, you will be there waiting for me with your arms open and a big smile on
your face. I wonder if you’ll tell me
that you love me?
You were the best Dad a kid could
have. Thank you for that. And Dad, I
love you.
Ray R. Schultes
Born 6/23/1928 to Earl Herman
Schultes and Lida Mae Meissner Schultes
Died 1/24/2013 at home, sitting
in his favorite chair watching TV.
Preceded in death by both parents,
siblings John, Earl, Shirley and Harriet.
Survived by children:
Jackie
Sherri
Bonnie
Ron
Grandchildren:
Rachel
Mark
Christy
Jamie
Kelsey
McKenzie
Cassidy
Great Grandchildren
Kylie
Dakota
Allysa
Steven
Marcus, Jr.
Numerous nieces, nephews and great
nieces and great nephews
Married Margaret Phillips August 17,
1951
Military Service
US Navy
3rd class petty officer
1945-49
US Air Force
1st class airman
1951-55
Awards: American Theater,
Pacific Theater, Victory Medal (everybody got this one)
Owner: Ray Schultes Plumbing
Company 1965 - 1990
Past
President: Cincinnati Master Plumbers Association
Active member of 1st Baptist Church
of Mt. Healthy, Ohio.
Member: College Hill #641
F&AM (Masonic Lodge, Cincinnati, Ohio)
Past Master: College Hill
Lodge
Involved with Boy Scouts for many
years
Loved hunting, fishing and golfing
Loved playing cards and board games
including bridge and cribbage
Loved gardening and working with
flowers.
German heritage: Loved making
pickled herring and homemade wine
He never met a dog he didn't love
and his most recent adoptee was a stray named Tiger.
His future inlaws, Billy Phillips
and Nonie Harris Phillips were not happy that their daughter was dating a
"damned Yankee" and they also didn't like that he wore pink and blue
shirts on his dates with Margaret. This was in a time when men traditionally
wore white dress shirts.
Ray and Margaret eloped and got
married in Mississippi when Margaret was just 17 years old. Ray was
soon sent to England and Margaret followed a few months later. Their
first child was born in England. This young family came back to
Cincinnati in December of 1953. Their other 3 children were
all born in Cincinnati.
Comments from friends on FB (mostly
friends of Ray's children):
Terry Readnower Luvd that man! Many fond
memories! My prayers r with u all!
Dottie Ann Fixmer-Lynam Jackie, I remember that he would do
work for people who couldn't pay him that day. I looked at your Dad and Mom as
a team. Your Dad worked so hard and your Mom would be answering the phone and
sitting and doing the books at the desk in the bedroom in the early days of his
business. I looked up to both of them. Your Dad was always so kind. Give my
love to your Mom and I am praying for all of you.
Tracy Morris Schill I remember visiting your
parents at Indian Lakes a lot when Brian was a year or two old. They were
always so welcoming and entertaining. Always loved them!
Jill Dann So sorry for your loss, he was a great
man. Prayers are with you and your family.
Dale Keiger Oh, Jackie, sorry to hear this. Your
dad was a good guy. Seems funny to remember enjoying a visit by a plumber, but
we always did enjoy it when he came to our house to fix something. Take care;
thinking of you.
Nancy Hamester Robbe Oh, so sorry to hear that
Jackie. Mr Ray was a very special friend..not only to Greg when he was growing
up, but as our Plummer too...always had a joke to share. Pleas give our deepest
sympathies to your mom, your brother, sisters (and you too of course.)
Lynne Crowe-carroll Stu says ur dad was a big
help when he went thru the masons. He will never forget it. Our condolences
Jackie
Sandie Hendrigsman Cohan I don't remember your
dad but I know my father thought the world of him. my dad pretty much hated
everybody when I was growing up but he always talked highly of your dad. Must
have made him pretty special.
Patrick Smith (Maureen was my babysitter in
England so the handrail Dad put up was almost 60 years ago.)
Jackie we are so sorry to hear your
sad news,I only met Ray the once but felt he was a person we could have been
good friends with,of course Maureen knew mum and dad much better than me ,he
put a hand rail up for Maureens mother when he was stationed here which is
still there.I hope mum is coping all right.Our thougts and prayers are with you
at this sad time
Luv Maureen & Pat
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