Ray Edward Olinger

Roberts Cove - A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Leo IV Catholic Church in Roberts Cove at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24, for Ray Edward Olinger, 82, lifelong resident of Roberts Cove, who died on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024.
The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Glen J. Provost of the Diocese of Lake Charles, and concelebrated by Reverend Mitchell Guidry, pastor of St. Leo IV Catholic Church.
Entombment will follow at St. Leo IV Cemetery.
Ray was the youngest son of Edward John Olinger and Josephine Regina Dischler Olinger, pioneers of Roberts Cove community.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Josephine; his brothers/spouses, Ambrose Olinger (Margaret) and Hilary Olinger (Melba); and sisters/spouses, Beatrice Olinger Leonards (August), Irene Olinger Petitjean (Ashton), and Mary Jo Olinger.
He was also preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Jeanette DuCoté Prather; and father-in-law, John Prather; his sisters-in-law, Georgie Prather, Jeanette Prather Heinen, and Yvonne Prather Cramer; and brother-in-law, Michael Cramer.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Johnnie Ruth Olinger (née Prather); his children Jude Olinger (Erika née Schroter), Yvette Bourque (Kirk), and Nancy Choate; and three grandchildren, Cameron Choate, Haylie Choate and Grace Olinger.
He is also survived by his sister, Rose Marie John (the late John Namie); brothers-in-law Burton Prather (Cindy), Johnny Heinen (the late Jeanette), and sister-in-law Cynthia Robertson (Lester).
A 1960 graduate of St. Joseph High School in Rayne, Ray was a successful rice and soybean farmer in Roberts Cove and Mire for over 60 years. He served in the Louisiana National Guard for many years, an experience that shaped his patriotism throughout his entire life.
In addition to farming, Ray was skilled at metal fabrication, welding, and had a host of other skills. He also managed livestock and was involved in other ancillary farming endeavors.
Ray was a lifelong member of St. Leo IV Catholic Church in Roberts Cove, serving as a lector and usher. He was a faithful member of St. Leo’s Holy Name Society and served as its president for many years. He was involved in various volunteer roles at St. Leo’s including management of the Parish Hall and actively volunteering for a variety of roles at St. Leo’s including several years of involvement in Roberts Cove Germanfest.
Ray was also a dedicated member of the American Legion Post 77 in Rayne, serving as Post Commander as well as other leadership positions in the Legion.
Ray was family-focused on his large, extended family which included his parents, many aunts/uncles, sisters/brothers, and nieces/nephews. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments.
Ray was a prolific storyteller sharing stories of the past with family and friends. He enjoyed spending time with family, reading the news, listening to country music, and complaining about missed forecasts of the local television weather forecasters.
Pallbearers will be Cameron Choate, John Olinger, Dale Olinger, Tony Olinger, Dickie Leonards and Joe John.
Heartfelt appreciation for the personal care of Ray is extended by the Olinger family to the staff of Lamm Hospice, Southwind Healthcare & Rehabilitation, and The Acadian at Southwind Assisted Living. Special thanks to Gretchen John, Mary Beth Melancon, Christie Ashby, Claire Gossen, Jessica Istre, Courtney Hebert and all others who were involved in his care.
The family requests that visitation be observed at Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne on Friday, Aug. 23, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 8 a..m until 10 a.m.
St. Leo’s Holy Name members will lead and pray a Rosary on Friday, Aug. 23, at 6:30 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Leo’s IV Catholic Church, 7166 Roberts Cove Road, Rayne, LA 70578; and American Legion Post 77, 213 American Legion Drive, Rayne, LA 70578.
Friends may view the obituary and guestbook online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc., of Rayne, 337-334-3141.