S. Ekhoff

S. Ray Ekhoff, age 91, of Peoria, passed away on Sunday, March 21, 2021 at his home.

Ray was born on July 2, 1929 in Aurora, MO to John F. and Olive G. (Beyer) Ekhoff. He married Ruth Meylink on August 24, 1950 in Cedar Grove, WI. She preceded him in death on April 19, 2020, just a few months shy of their 70th wedding anniversary. Also preceding him in death are his parents and his brothers, Claire Gene Ekhoff and Dean Ekhoff.

Surviving are his siblings, Charlotte Pieper of Burnsville, MN, Judy McColl of Chillicothe, and Bruce (Rose) Ekhoff of Peoria; children, John (Nohora) Ekhoff of Peoria and Susan (John) Price of Brimfield; grandchildren, Lauren Coyle, Jessica (Dane Canada) Ekhoff and Erin (Price) Pudik; and three great-grandchildren.

Ray wore many hats during his life. He first served in the U.S. Army. After the Army, he worked for Brimfield Bank for over 25 years, where he served as CEO and stayed active on the board for many years after his retirement in 1989. Ray also served as a board member for the St. Jude Children's Hospital Midwest Affiliate and the Peoria County Sheriff's Merritt Commission. He was the Medina Township Supervisor for many years. He was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria and the First Baptist Church in Gulf Shores, AL where he taught Sunday school class.

Ray was an avid golfer, tennis player and a skilled woodworker. He made countless pieces of beautiful furniture and wooden crosses over the years that he gave to many of his friends and family members. After his retirement, he and his wife Ruth enjoyed spending many winters in Gulf Shores, AL. Ray valued his faith, family and friendships and will be dearly missed by those who knew him.

The family would like to thank Ray's wonderful caregivers and OSF Hospice for their compassion and care, especially his nurse, Christine and CNA, Jason.

Services will be held on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 1:30pm at Cumerford-Clary Funeral Home in Peoria. Visitation will also be on Thursday from noon to 1:30pm at the funeral home. Interment will be at Swan Lake Memory Gardens. Memorials may be made to OSF Hospice and St. Jude Midwest Affiliate.

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