Catherine "Katie" M. (Griesbeck) Ray

Catherine Marie Ray (nee Griesbeck) passed away peacefully on the morning of April 6, 2026. Catherine, known by most as Katie and some as Aunt Cathy, was born on March 1, 1927, in Clinton Township, Michigan. She was the daughter of Louis John Griesbeck and Barbara Katherine Seipp. Just last month, she celebrated her 99th birthday with daughter Robin, son-in-law Robert, nephew Ken Griesbeck and his wife Kari.

Katie was the second youngest of four siblings. She is preceded in death by sister Theresia Daly, brother Robert Griesbeck (wife Dorothy), and youngest brother Frederic “Chick” Griesbeck (wife Shirley).

Katie had three daughters, two of whom are still alive. Ruth Brusuelas (late husband John) of Eagle River, Alaska, and Robin D. Ray (husband Robert Bemben) of Bliss Township, Michigan, and is preceded in death by daughter Donna Ray of Detroit, Michigan.

Katie was a kindhearted observant insightful soul who enjoyed helping people in her immediate community, wherever she lived, and was well-liked by all who met her. In her early years, she moved household from one Air Force base to another, together with her military career husband Harold T. Ray. Her moves took her to Japan, California, Nebraska, Arkansas, and finally back to Michigan. She met husband Harold at a roller rink, and in her later years she tried to show off her skills to her Alaskan grandchildren only to have an embarrassing fall doing a high kick – she claimed the fall was due to a change in floor surfaces from wood to smooth cement. She had a great sense of joy in life and in her personal relationships, and at her 90th birthday party she got up and demonstrated her old tap dance skills wearing real tap shoes.

After years on the move, Katie settled with her family in Hamtramck, Michigan. She took a job as a nurse’s aid at North Detroit General Hospital and ended up working there for over 18 years. One of her favorite accomplishments was to be named Employee of the Month and have a portrait of herself on the wall. She showed a passion for caring for others throughout her life. Most recently, at Bay Bluffs Nursing Home, Katie enjoyed helping people who couldn’t see the Bingo cards very well. And she worried about staff working too hard.

She loved her grandchildren dearly and often visited her daughter Ruth’s family in Eagle River, Alaska where she lived for three years after retirement. In her late 80s and early 90s, she would travel to Alaska twice a year. Her neighbors called her Road Runner.

Katie moved to Petoskey in winter 2005, following her daughter Robin’s family who had moved up north to Bliss Township. She made the trip to Bliss often to visit her youngest grandchild, Alex, often taking Friendship Center bus. Katie is survived by four grandchildren: Karl Brusuelas, Olena Brusuelas, Paul Brusuelas (wife LeeAnn), and Alexander Bemben. She is also survived by four great-grandchildren: Paul and LeeAnn’s children John Edward Brusuelas, Aurora Brusuelas and Wilford Brusuelas, and by Olena and Lindsey’s son Kaius Brusuelas.

Katie resided at Riverview Terrace senior apartments from winter 2005 through December 2026. In those 20+ years, she became a part of their active community and made many friends. She called Bingo during their weekly games for many years and frequently brought various prizes and treats for the other players. She was also known for taking meals to seniors in hospice at Riverview, up to the age 97, when cooking became too difficult for her.

During the Covid pandemic, she visited with her family at the outdoor apartment gazebo: having lunch there or getting a haircut. These outdoor visits gave her comfort during scary times. Family members recall her as the glue that kept the family together. She was an active presence in their lives for a very long time. She also had a strong work ethic and enjoyed household chores, even at the age of 98. Her hospice nurse said, “She was my favorite patient and an incredibly lovely human being.”

She leaves behind a legacy that will be with us always. Her smile, laugh, passion for games like Bingo, Yahtzee, Quiddler and Rummikub, and endless embrace of life and loving family. She led a beautiful life. She had a keen sense of humor along with a sweet tooth. She was an independent lady with a very positive mindset. Her sweet spirit will be with us forever.

To honor “Miss Katie” there will be a visitation held at Stone Funeral Home on April 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. with a time of sharing at 12:00 noon.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.