Jean was born in Waterloo, Iowa to Richard and Myrtle Ray. She was the third daughter in a family of eight girls and her adored baby brother, Tom. The Ray family made the move to Backus MN, where Jean would grow up and attend school. She loved to recount that while other girl were reading Vogue she was reading National Geographic. She took that wish to travel to heart and saved the money to move from the frigid Northern States to Honolulu, Hawaii.
There she would meet the love of her life Alvin Leo Stribel, Jr. They married on February 5, 1962. Following his Navy Career they moved back to the family farm in Hennessey where they would build their lives together.
They welcomed four children together. Ray (Teresa) Stribel of Hennessey, Paula Copas of Hennessey, Joe (Gina) Stribel of Hennessey, and Leah Kostiuk of Guthrie.
She took her love of travel into her later years and would share it with her grandchildren as well. Enjoying many adventures with them as they each graduated. She enjoyed spending her free time volunteering. Whether with the 4-H, Farmarette’s, Catholic Church, St. Mary’s, and many other local organizations. She also loved being outdoors and was a proud member of the Master Gardeners. Jean is survived by her siblings Jonelle Calvert, Dixie Voels, Mary (Virgil) Gustafson, Jonica (Bill) Barrett, Tom (Linda) Ray, her four children, 13 Grandchildren, and 12 Great Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Alvin, Parents, Sisters Frances Middlestedt, Janet Mundus, Judith Corneleus, and Granddaughter Mary Grace Stribel.
The Rosary is scheduled for Sunday, July 7th at 7 p.m. at St Joseph’s in Hennessey, Ok. The service is scheduled for Monday, July 8th at St Joseph’s in Bison, Ok with graveside service to follow.
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