Ray Dean VanSickle

Ray Dean VanSickle

Ray Dean VanSickle, 56, went to be with the Lord on Sunday (Aug. 31, 2008) at his Newton home surrounded by his family.

He was born on March 14, 1952, in Emporia to Ralph and Grace (Schwindt) VanSickle.

On Aug. 2, 1975, he married Christine Wells in Enterprise. She survives of Newton.

He grew up on a dairy farm near Olpe and attended a one room rural school. He graduated from Olpe High School and Emporia State University. He received his master's degree from Wichita State University.

Ray taught at Santa Fe Middle School for 32 years. He also coached intramural tennis and co-led Bible study for students at Druber's Donut Shop in Newton. Twice he was nominated for Who's Who Among America's Teachers. He was the 2007 Kansas History Day Teacher of the Year. He also served as chair of the Harvey County Republican Party for four years.

He was an avid gardener and participated in the Newton Farmer's Market.

He grew up in the Twin Mound Friends Church near Olpe. At the age of 8, he accepted Christ as his savior at Camp Quaker Haven. He attended Meridian Baptist Church in Newton for more than 30 years, serving in many capacities during the years. He and his wife, with two other families, founded Newton Christian High School. He served as school board member and treasurer of the school. His latest ministry was witnessing to other cancer patients these past two years while being treated for pancreatic cancer.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph VanSickle.

He is survived by his mother, Grace VanSickle of Emporia; his wife, Christiane of Newton; daughter, Melodi and husband, Caleb Wood, of Ringgold, La.; son, Brent VanSickle and wife, Jennifer, of Alton, Ill,; two sisters, Joan Sloan and husband, Bill, of Maryville, Tenn., and Carol Schaefer and husband, John, of Emporia; step-grandmother, Eleanor Schwindt of Wichita; and six nieces and nephews.

Public visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton, with the family receiving friends from 7 to 9 p.m. The casket will remain opened during this time.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Cottonwood Cemetery in rural Emporia. The casket will be opened from 10:45 a.m. until service time at the cemetery.

A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at Meridian Baptist Church in Newton, with Pastor Scott Kliewer presiding.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorial contributions to the Meridian Baptist Church Camp Scholarship Fund, Newton Christian High School or Union Rescue Mission in care of the funeral home.