Obituary of Raymond Bostic

Raymond Bostic, age 80, of Monroe passed away on February 13, 2012 surrounded by his wife and daughters. Born April 28, 1931 in Detroit, Ray was the son of Russell and Emily (Southorn) Bostic from South Rockwood. He married Annabelle Waltz on October 25, 1952, and they made their home in South Rockwood, Waltz, Carleton, and finally to Monroe for the last 22 years. Ray enlisted in the United States Air Force from 1949-1952 and was stationed in Elmodorf Air Force Base, Alaska as an Aircraft Mechanic. He received his diploma at Carleton, Michigan in 1953. Ray worked for Moymahan Bronze for a few years then went to Ford Motor Company (Local 723) in Monroe as a tool room grinder retiring in 1986. Ray and Annabelle owned Bostic Cutter Grinding in Carleton later moving the business to Monroe renaming it Monroe Cutting Tool, where Ray received a patent for a special cutting tool. In 1993, the grinding business was sold. After retiring and selling the business, Ray took up art and painting, winning many awards and ribbons. He belonged to Monroe Art League and various other painting groups. Ray enjoyed his friends, and he loved going to the local stores and riding the mobile carts. He loved being home helping his wife in the flower gardens. He is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Annabelle; three daughters: Rae Ann (Russ) Viau, of Munising, MI, Judy (Randy) Hagerman of Carleton, and Molly (Brian) Canfield of Belleville; six grandchildren: Jessica (Jason) Hoffner of Monroe, Jason Viau of San Diego, CA, Ryan Vanderbush of Carleton, Todd Vanderbush of Monroe, Sherry (Matt) Brubaker of Belleville, and Sarah Rochester of Chicago, IL; two sisters: Noreen (Leo) McNabb of Rose City and Agnes Bondy of Carleton; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents and a sister: Ruth J Neuman. In accordance with his wishes, cremation was entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place Friday, February 17, 2012 at 3:00pm at Monroe Full Gospel, 5337 East Albain Road. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Monroe Art League or Monroe Full Gospel Willing Workers. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.