My name is Deannette (Chippy) Ward. My loving, funny, loud, dramatic, charming, outrageous, spontaneous, crazy, passionate, stubborn, caring, and many more words to describe my husband, Donald Ray Ward, has unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025. I am at a loss for words. My Ray Ray is gone, our Ray Ray is gone. I know people had their thoughts about Ray, but no matter what, he always had love for everyone. My best friend of 16 years is at rest with all of our loved ones in heaven. My Ray Ray, I hope you are at peace and dancing and watching over all of us.

With that being said, I’d hate to ask, but we do need help to bury my husband. Everything is so expensive, and we want to give Ray a proper burial. He did not want to be cremated. He does not want to be buried with other people, even though, yes, it is a cheaper option, but that is not what Ray would have wanted. He would have wanted to be buried by his dad, Donny Ward.

So with the expenses, here is the amount of money we need to raise:

Total - $22,000

$6,500 - The Plot

$3,900.25 - Opening, closing, and vault

$10,802.25 - Chapel and gravesite service, memorial cards, etc., for the service

$800 - Reception (food, etc.)

I know this is a lot to ask for, and I know Ray did not end on good terms with some people, but he is a good man, and he tried. He messed up, but he tried, and he was still a human being that deserves everyone to remember all of the good and caring times. The funny times.

We will also have a benefit as soon as we know the right date.

I have also made the decision to sell the RV to help pay for the expenses.

My job has kindly offered to help as well.

Thank you to everyone who has called, came over, sent flowers and food. We really appreciate you all so, so much. Words can’t describe.

We love you, Ray!

I love you to the moon and back - Chip

We will not know the date of the funeral because we need to have the money upfront. We are wanting his funeral on the 6th of March, so hopefully, we can get everything raised.