November 16, 2014
Ray and Ardie Rainey: A True ''Forever'' Love
Ardie and Ray Rainey were the perfect example of a loving couple. It's no wonder then, that when Ardie passed on November 16, 2014, Ray followed on November 19, 2014, just three days later.
They met in 1956 at a Bridal Fair. Ray Dean Rainey, the son of Frankie and Edward, was a young man of 23. Born in Iowa on July 30, 1931 and raised in Grand Meadow, MN, he was a Navy man eager to make his mark. He sold fine china. ''Ardie,'' Ardyce Rita Pany, daughter of Vlasta and Herman, was a pretty girl of 22. Born in Montgomery, MN on March 16, 1932, she moved to Minneapolis at 21 and was with her roommates at the fair when she caught his eye. Ardie chose the china pattern ''Orange Blossom and Gardenia,'' and
Ray chose Ardie. They married 5 months later on September 2, 1956.
In the early years, they lived in Montgomery. Children (Patricia, Robert, and Mark) came and filled their home with the love of family. In the summer of 1966, they moved to Little Rock, AR. Here they experienced the fullness of life and were blessed with the happiness that comes from a strong union. Over the years, the couple built a legacy of family unity and community service.
Ray excelled in insurance, but that wasn't the only ''hat'' he wore. He was a coach, board member, and mentor with many organizations. In retirement, he and Ardie co-founded a true family company, Rainey Electronics, with their son, Mark. Mark and Robert, partners, now work alongside Patricia's husband, Jerry, and continue the tradition of excellence instilled in them by their parents.
Ardie's career as an executive assistant spanned 20 years. She was the one who kept things running smoothly. Supremely able to juggle family with a busy volunteer schedule, she and Ray were the Co-Chairs for the Catholic High ''Junktique'' sale for 15 years raising over $315,000 for the school. Above all else, the most important thing to Ardie was her family. A constant support to her husband, children, and grandchildren, she was a matriarch in the purest sense. She leaves behind memories of pep rallies & pool parties and sleepovers & Sundays at church with ''Mimi and Papa,'' all beautiful memories the family will cherish.
The couple is survived by their children: Patricia Rainey Larsson (Jerry), Robert Rainey (Tonya), and Mark Rainey (Vonda); grandchildren: Kristin Larsson O'Hara (Paul), Haley Larsson Hopkins (Justin), Harrison Silas Rainey, Rachael Ann Rainey, and Ryan Scott Rainey; great-grandchildren, Tosh Larsson and Riley Ann Hopkins (due in December); brother, Roy Rainey (Salliejane); two sisters, Lola Rundgren and Lucille Odden; brother of Ardie, Alvin Pany (Gerry); and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, November 24, 2014 at Fellowship Bible Church, 1401 Kirk Rd, Little Rock, AR 72223 with entombment following at Forest Hills Mausoleum, Alexander, AR. The family will receive friends from 4:00 6:00 P.M., Sunday at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211, (501)224-8300.
Memorials may be made to Catholic High School for Boys, 6300 Father Tribou Street, Little Rock, AR 72205, (501)664-3939 or Fellowship Bible Church Little Rock, 1401 Kirk Rd, Little Rock, AR 72223, (501)224-7171.
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21 Condolence(s)
Lori Burdick
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Bob, Mark, Pat and family,
I have nothing but sweet memories of your parents stopping by the office. Always full of smiles and kind words. I am happy to have known them for the short time I worked at REI.
Peace to you all.
Liz Howell
Saturday, November 29, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the Rainey family as you mourn. May God provide you peace during this difficult time.
John, Linda and Matt Barger
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Pat, Jerry, Kristin and Haley, we are so sad for your loss. I always admired watching your Mother and Dad work in their yard as I was passing by, and enjoyed talking with your Mother on a few brief stops. They were a beautiful couple. Haley and Kristin, you were so blessed to have had such role models as grandparents.
Cindy Goodbar
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
I was their next door neighbor in carriage creek until 2014 (March) when I sold my house and moved. They were always a blessing to me and caring people. May God bless the family and comfort them with compassion and empathy. They were loved and will be greatly missed.
Reginald Rogers
Monday, November 24, 2014
Robert, Mark and the Rainey Family: May God Bless you at this time of loss and Celebration! I was blessed to get to know your wonderful, much-loved parents through their devotion to Catholic High and especially the annual Catholic High Junktique Sale. They were an inspiring couple who we all admired so much for their hard work and obvious love. They were always kind to me and I will always remember them fondly. May they rest in the Peace of Christ!!! Reg Rogers Catholic High Class of 1977
Gloria and Tamara Trcka
Monday, November 24, 2014
Patricia, Robert, and Mark
I have many fond memories working for your mom and dad at the hardware and furniture store in Montgomery MN. I will miss them dearly.
Our thoughts and prays are with you and your families.
jean ad ken smith
Monday, November 24, 2014
Ray and Ardie made the world a better place. They led by example. Just look at Pat, Bob and Mark and their families. Ardie was a beautiful and talented woman. A true lady. Ray was a perfect match for her. $o glad we were friends for many years. The annual Christmas letter and family picture will be missed. Our sincere condolences to all.
Stan Denman
Monday, November 24, 2014
The Rainey family and UALR basketball have been linked for more than three decades. I will always remember the nights I got to sit next to Ray at UALR basketball games. And my wife and daughter enjoyed visiting with Ardy while Ray and I cracked jokes and tried to keep our heads in the game. Many fond memories of the two. They will be missed by many and your family has been in our prayers.
David Hansen
Sunday, November 23, 2014
I have many fond memories of my cousin, Ray, and his wife Ardie. Please accept my sympathy for the loss of these two dear family members.
David Hansen
Sharon Snow
Sunday, November 23, 2014
I really enjoyed knowing Ardie in our Bible Study group and at church (we too ate breakfast most Sundays). She was a true lady and her love for Ray was a blessing to watch as she cared for him.
Donald Campbell
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Patricia, Mark and Robert, please know I am thinking about and praying for all of you with the loss of both of your parents. Many memories of all of you at Grace Presbyterian with Sarah and Malcolm and me.
Don
Sandra Marbaise
Sunday, November 23, 2014
I am so sad for your loss, I will say a prayer for your family. God speed to them both as they rest in peace togetherâ¤ï¸
Sandra Blount Marbaise
Dianne Polk
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Will miss you both.
Elisabeth Daley
Saturday, November 22, 2014
So enjoyed getting to know Ardie as a member of our Thursday morning Bible Study group and on Sundays at church. She was a wonderful stately lady and dedicated to Ray. I will miss her very much. May God bring special comfort to the family they leave behind.
Michael and Toni Sanders
Saturday, November 22, 2014
To the friends and family of Mr. and Mrs Rainey, we send our sincere condolences. I had the privilege of spending 10 years with the family while with Rainey Electronics, and Mr. and Mrs Rainey always came to the shop with smiles and laughs. They are a true testament to love and to a lasting marriage. I credit them for raising a wonderful family that were role models to me during those days. I owe so much to the Rainey family for where I am at in my life today, and know that Mr. and Mrs. Rainey have touched so many lives. If not within themselves, it is within the values they taught within their own children, and in turn have touched others. Thoughts and prayers.
Jeff Pany
Friday, November 21, 2014
Your family has been so blessed with two beautiful people as parents. I pray for all of you for your loss.
Jeff
TINA & JR ANGLIN
Friday, November 21, 2014
After being a part of the Rainey Electronics family for 27 yrs...words could never express my sympathy!! What great role models!!!
Cathie&travis lee
Friday, November 21, 2014
Prayers sent your way. Condolences to your family. We only met them a few times but truly the nicest people.
Tom Bramhall & family
Friday, November 21, 2014
Trish, Mark & Bob
Our prayers are with you all. Ray and Ardie were sweet and special friends and I loved them. If we can be of help to you all, please let me know. Roy knows how to reach me. Heb 10:23-25
JM Allain & Alex Gomez
Friday, November 21, 2014
Dear Mark & Bob:
Our deepest condolences on the passing of your parents.
We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
JM Allain
Alex Gomez
The Trans-lux Corporation
Tiffany
Friday, November 21, 2014
So sorry for your loss, thinking about you and your family Tricia.