Lynn "Anette" (Strother) Ray

Lynn "Anette" (Strother) Ray, age 56, of Kirbyville, MO

Lynn "Anette" (Strother) Ray, age 56, of Kirbyville, MO, went home to be with her Grannies and Savior on Sunday, July 4th, 2021, surrounded by the family she so deeply loved in the house her husband built and that she made a home following a brief illness.

Anette's life began after her birth to Ronald and Leatrice Strother on April 16th, 1965, in Monett, MO. Growing up and attending school there, she met her hot-roddin' love of her life, Mike Ray cruising the streets of Cassville, MO. The two would soon wed and relocate to the Branson area to start their family following Anette's graduation from Cassville High School in 1983.

Anette's heart was devoted to children. She gave birth to her two children, Derrick Ray and Amy (Ray) Mooney, in 1987 and 1993, respectively. She raised her children with fierce devotional love and, with her husband, spared nothing to provide them every opportunity for success. She dedicated her career to kids beginning with Branson Public Schools in 1989, followed by 21 years with the Head Start program serving as a teacher and family advocate to provide other children with the same opportunities she gave her own.

God's light was shown through Anette in her smile and ever-present joy, her desire to help others, and her unapologetic witnessing of God's mercy and grace. Every morning, one could look into her bedroom and see an open Bible peeking above her covers as she found guidance for her life reading the Word of God faithfully. She loved her Church of the Harvest (Branson, MO) congregation and hearing their voices lifted to the Lord as she led them. It was said that Anette prepared for her final day her entire life.

Anette is survived by her parents; Ronald and Leatrice Strother of Purdy, MO; younger sister, Karri (Strother) Frachiseur and husband Rick of Grannis, AR; loving husband of 38 years, Mike Ray of Kirbyville, MO; daughter, Amy (Ray) Mooney and her husband Blake of Billings, MO; son, Derrick Ray and his wife Christina of Minneapolis, MN; three and a half grandchildren, Charlie, Elliott, and Caylie, with one on the way; and beloved family pets, Gus and Lily. She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, B.C. and Joy Green, and paternal grandparents, Aubrey and Freda Strother.

Visitation will be held at Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home in Branson, MO Thursday, July 8th, from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM. The funeral service will be held at the same location Friday, July 9th, from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, followed by a graveside service at Clio Cemetery in Jenkins, MO, at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Isabel's House in Springfield, MO to honor Anette's love for and dedication to kids. Isabel's House provides a 24/7/365 safe refuge for children. For additional information or to donate in Anette's memory, please visit their website, www.isabelshouse.org.