Arbetta Kay (Hamilton) Ray was born February 2, 1942 in the home of her maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Lavale Ferguson, in Pleasant Hill, Missouri and departed this life on October 14, 2015 at Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach, Missouri at the age of 73 years, 8 months and 12 days. She was the daughter of Albert L. and Rose Okemah (Ferguson) Hamilton.
Arbetta spent her younger years and attended school in Pleasant Hill. In 1977 she obtained her LPN degree and went on to a long and rewarding career in nursing.
Arbetta was artistically gifted in many areas, she loved to do oil paintings and different types of needle work, spending hours on each endeavor, and then would give them as gifts to her family and friends. She also wrote poetry and had been published in several books throughout her lifetime.
Arbetta loved to travel when possible. Among her favorite destinations were Hawaii and the Philippines.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Okemah Hamilton.
Arbetta is survived by two sons, Daymon Smallwood of Pleasant Hill, Missouri and Brian Jones of Osage Beach, Missouri; two daughters, Candia Dorman of Pleasant Hill, Missouri and Tonya Richardson and husband Dana of Kennard, Texas; three brothers, Joe Hamilton, and Mike Hamilton and wife Robyn all of Pleasant Hill, Missouri and Pat Hamilton and wife Carla of Raytown, Missouri; one sister, Janell Hamilton of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.
Cremation has been accorded and a Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at the Wallace Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, with Rev. Kent Deubner officiating.
The family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society, Kansas City Metro Office, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64105
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