Ray Worden

Age 96 of Diamond, Illinois, entered into eternal life and went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

Born June 17, 1930, in Hot Springs, South Dakota, Raymond Francis was the son of Francis and Pearl (Leonard) Worden. He was raised in Hot Springs, where he graduated from Hot Springs High School with the Class of 1948. Following graduation, Ray honorably served his country in the United States Navy.

On September 19, 1953, he married Mary JoAnne Riffe in Bellingham, Washington, and together they built a loving home and raised their family. Following his military service, Ray continued his education at Oregon State College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.

Throughout his career, Ray's work led him and his family to many communities across the country, including Michigan, Washington, Oregon, Indiana, New York, Kentucky, Texas, Wisconsin, and Illinois. He spent 16 years with General Electric before continuing his engineering and sales career with Applied Power, Central Die Casting, and ultimately as an independent manufacturers' sales representative for more than 30 years. A testament to his dedication and strong work ethic, Ray continued working well into his eighties.

A man of deep and abiding faith, Ray was a devoted member of First Assembly of God Church in Joliet for many years. His relationship with the Lord guided every aspect of his life and remained the foundation upon which he built his family, friendships, and career. Following the passing of his beloved wife, Mary JoAnne, Ray was blessed to find companionship once again when he married Anna (Hollis) Jankas, with whom he shared his final years.

Ray found his greatest enjoyment in the outdoors. Whether fishing, boating, hunting, camping, snowmobiling, or cross-country skiing, he appreciated God's creation and embraced every opportunity to spend time in nature. Ray was rarely one to sit still, almost always with a tool in his hand and a project underway. Once one task was finished, he was already looking for the next, finding purpose and fulfillment in building, fixing and creating.  He will be remembered for his unwavering faith, adventurous spirit, tireless work ethic, and the love he shared with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Anna; children: Mary Jo (Craig) Anderson of West Lafayette, Indiana, Scott (Jeanne) Worden of Buchannon, Michigan, Marty (Mary) Worden of Hartland, Wisconsin, Kim (Don) Moon of Livingston, Texas; grandchildren: Jennifer (Kevin) Thompson, Dan (Katelyn) Worden, Ryan (Ariel) Worden, Ben (Danielle) Worden, Michele (Joshua) Knuth, Holly (Adam) Crouse, Virginia (Jaimie) Bush, Havilah (Santiago) Colon, Melissa Worden, Jonathon (Martha) Worden, Alisha (Joe) Martin, Caleb (Stephanie Park) Ganzer, Kendra Smith and Kyle (Sarah Manuel) Ganzer; 30 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; step- grandchildren: Phillip (Katie) Hollis of Braidwood, Illinois, Joe Hollis of Godley, Illinois, Westley (Amber) Hollis, Jacob (Sarah) Hollis both of Mississippi as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Pearl Worden; his stepfather, Carl and wife JoAnne (2015); one sister, Delores Dunegon; niece, Trisha Dunegon as well as his daughter-in-law, Jeanne Worden.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Thursday, July 16, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. until time of funeral service 10:30 a.m. Pastor Sam Carr will officiate.

Burial with full military honors will follow in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois where Ray will be laid to rest with his late wife, JoAnne.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Ray’s memory to

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Ray’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-476-2181)