Raymond "Ray" Baertschi, age 95, a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, took his final journey home on October 10, 2025, in Paducah, Kentucky. Born on August 28, 1930, in Winslow, Illinois, Ray's life was a testament to hard work, dedication, and the joy of simple pleasures.
Ray immersed himself in the spirit of service from an early age, proudly serving as an E-11 Sergeant in the U.S. Army, where he instilled discipline and a robust sense of duty that he carried throughout his life. For over 40 years, Ray was a dedicated driver for Roadway Express, where his reliability and integrity earned him the respect of his colleagues and the wider community. He was also a member of the Teamsters Union and the Moose Lodge.
Betty Dowdy became Ray’s sweetheart, the love of his life, and the couple was married for over 70 years. Ray and Betty were blessed with three children, ten grandchildren, and more than 20 great-grandchildren. They experienced marvelous adventures together and are a powerful example of what can be accomplished through love and marriage.
Ray's passion for life was evident in his varied interests. An avid horseshoe player, he could often be found perfecting his pitch, sharing laughs, and making memories. He was very competitive and continued to throw horseshoes as long as his health would allow. Ray spent over 30 wonderful years in Florida's sunshine, where he enjoyed playing shuffleboard with friends.
A man of skill and enthusiasm, Ray maintained a vibrant enthusiasm for motor sports well into his later years. He owned a stock car in the 1960s and enjoyed riding his motorcycle. His love for yard work complemented his love of nature, and he could frequently be found tending to his beautiful flower beds.
Ray is survived by his two sons, Larry (Gale) Baertschi of Seminole, Florida and Ronald (Klae) Baertschi of Kitchner in Ontario, Canada; his daughter, Sharon (Dave) Homerding of Leland, Illinois; his brother-in-law, Archie Dowdy of Calvert City, Kentucky; his sister-in-law, Yvonnda (Mike) Patterson of Paducah, Kentucky; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Sue Dowdy Baertschi; one sister, Rosetta Mayer; and two brothers, Duaine Baertschi and Donald Baertschi.
A funeral service will be held at 11 A.M. on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at the Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. Darrell Walker officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 A.M. at the funeral home and continue until the service starts. Burial will follow at the Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of gifts to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105.
Share a memory or leave an encouraging message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
