Moritz Ray R.
August 16, 1924 ~ May 6, 2010
Moritz, Ray R., 85, passed away Thursday, May 6, 2010. Visitation will be held at 5:00 p.m., with Rosary at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, May 9, at Downing Lahey Mortuary East. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 10, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Ray was born on a farm near Junction City, KS, August 16, 1924 to Agnes (Oliver) and Albert Moritz. He attended a one-room rural school and St. Xaviers High School in Junction City. As a member of the “Greatest Generation”, Ray enlisted in the US Air Force in June of 1943 and served in the Fifteenth Air Force as a navigator on a B-17 in Italy. On his third mission his plane was shot down and Ray became a POW but was later rescued. Ray returned home to marry Frances Grentner in December 1946 and they resided in Manhattan, KS until Rays graduation from Kansas State University in 1948 with a BA in Accounting. Upon graduation, Ray accepted a position with United Savings and Loan in Wichita and remained there until his retirement in 1995 as President. Ray is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Irene Moritz, Helen Lester, Roseann Fisher and Edith Peyre and brother, Warren Moritz. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Frances and children, Barbara Milligan (David) and Dr. Rick Moritz (Martha) of Overland Park, KS; sister, Pearl Munyer and brother, Bob Moritz (Carol); grandsons, Dr. Brian Milligan (Cheri), Chris Milligan, Richard Moritz and Michael Moritz; great-grandchildren, Adele Milligan and Robert Milligan.
Visitation will be held at 5:00 p.m., with Rosary at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, May 9, at Downing Lahey Mortuary East.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
I want to add my fond memories of Ray. I knew him from the time that he came to work for my Dad, Max Noble, at United Building & Loan. He helped my Dad when my brother was killed and eventually took over as my Dad retired. Through the years, he was always available for advice and good conversation when I came back to Wichita. We have kept up by mail and phone calls through the years. He was a fine gentleman and I value his friendship. My prayers are with his family.
I worked for Mr. Moritz in the late 70s at United Savings and Loan. I had one more year left of college, and my husband and I had moved back to Wichita after he had completed law school. I was working while my husband set up his practice. After a year or so I became pregnant with my son. When I went in to talk with Mr. Moritz about whether I would return to work afterwards, he gave me the best piece of advice I had ever had. He said that if at all possible to consider staying at home once my son was born. He said that it might be a financial hardship for awhile, but that it would be the most rewarding time of my life—to be a mother–and to have that time at home with my kids. Well I took his advice and loved every minute being at home with my kids. Once they were in high school I went back and got my masters and now am part of the faculty at Friends University. I think that on this particular Mother’s Day that I honor the principles that he stood for and all that he taught me during my years at United Savings and Loan. I can only imagine what a wonderful father and grandfather he has been to all of you over the years. I just wanted you to all know how much he influenced my life, too.
I worked for Mr. Moritz in the late 70s at United Savings and Loan. I had one more year left of college, and my husband and I had moved back to Wichita after he had completed law school. I was working while my husband set up his practice. After a year or so I became pregnant with my son. When I went in to talk with Mr. Moritz, he gave me the best piece of advice I had ever had. He said that if at all possible to consider staying at home once my son was born. He said that it might be a financial hardship for awhile, but that it would be the most rewarding time of my life—to be a mother–and to have that time at home with my kids. Well I took his advice and loved every minute being at home with my kids. Once they were in high school I went back and got my masters and now am part of the faculty at Friends University. I think that on this particular Mother’s Day that I honor the principles that he stood for and all that he taught me during my years at United Savings and Loan. I can only imagine what a wonderful father and grandfather he has been to all of you over the years. I just wanted you to all know how much he influenced my life.
To the family of Ray Moritz: Please accept our sincere condolences in the passing of Ray. Ray and Francis have been friends and neighbors for many years and he will be missed. He fought the good fight and I was always impressed by his strength.
Ray was a fine gentleman and enjoyed golf for many years at Crestview Country Club. I especially remember enjoying Ray during our trip to Firestone Country Club. Ray always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. Enjoy your walk with our Lord. We will miss you.
It’s been years since I have seen Ray, but knew him pretty well at one time. I was always so impressed with him, how he could be so busy and at the same time be so polite, pleasant, calm and nice to everyone. A real first class person.