COLUMBUS, INDIANA
Ray Zeigler passed from this life on Thursday, October 12th, 2023, with his wife and daughters by his side. Ray was born January 27th, 1943, in Columbus, Indiana. He was the son of Ellsworth Harold and Alice (Nicholas) Zeigler, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Sharon Avery Zeigler August 14th, 1971, and she survives. Ray graduated from Columbus Senior High School in 1961. He attended Indiana University. In 1965 he joined the United States Air Force and spent most of his active duty on a mountaintop in Montana. Upon his return from serving his country, he met his wife Sharon. He was the proud father of two daughters, Cathne Elizabeth Holliday and Emily Thomas Doak. Ray and Sharon have five wonderful grandchildren, Ashley Elizabeth Holliday, Hannah Grace Holliday, William Miles Holliday, Hunter Nicholas Doak, and Addison Avery Doak. Wherever they were in the world Ray talked to his grandchildren every Sunday night. This is a memory they will forever cherish. Ray was a member of St. John’s Masonic Lodge #20 for over 56 years. He was also a member of the Indianapolis Valley of Scottish Rite for over 50 years. He received the Demolay Legion of Honor. Ray was an elected member of the Bartholomew Consolidated School Board for 24 years 8 of those years he served as board president. He was a champion for the students, staff, and community even after his retirement. Ray was given the honor of being named a Sagamore of the Wabash and was awarded the Honorable Order of a Kentucky Colonel.
Ray was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church. At various times he served on the Staff Parrish Committee, The Board of Trustees and the Administrative Board. For several years he served on the IUPUC Advisory Board.
Ray is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Sharon Avery Zeigler; his daughters, Cathne (Rob) Holliday, Emily (Brian) Doak as well as his grandchildren, Ashley Elizabeth Holliday, Hannah Grace Holliday, William Miles Holliday, Hunter Nicholas Doak, and Addison Avery Doak. Ray was preceded in death by his loving parents, Ellsworth Harold Zeigler and Alice Zeigler; his brothers, Thomas (Eleanor) Zeigler, Harold “Itch” Zeigler; sister Deborah Zeigler; and his nephew and niece Allen Zeigler and Alice Zeigler.
Visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church in Columbus, Indiana Monday, October 16th from 3:00-7:00 p.m. The funeral will be held Tuesday, October 17th at 10:30 a.m. with visitation an hour before the service at First United Methodist Church. The Reverend Boles will officiate the funeral service. Burial will be in the family plot at Garland Brook Cemetery with full military honors by the Bartholmew County Veterans Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Bartholomew Consolidated School Foundation to support teacher grants or First United Methodist Church in Columbus, Indiana.
Condolences and special memories may be shared with the Zeigler family and a video tribute may be seen at barkesweaverglick.com.
