Barbara €Œbarb” Je Ray

Barbara "Barb" Jean McIntyre Ray, age 75, had been a resident of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina for 9 years when she died in hospice care at the Cypress on April 28, 2014 from a stroke. Barb was born on December 22, 1938 in Altoona, Pennsylvania to Kermit and Thelma McIntyre, and had two older sisters, the late Patricia Stearns (Thornton) and Kay Dzmura (Robert, deceased). Barb graduated in 1960 at the top of her class at Juniata College where she majored in business administration. While a student at Altoona High School she wrote a social column for the Altoona Mirror. She met her future husband, John "Jack" Ray, while in the 7th grade, but they did not marry until 1960. After teaching at the elementary and secondary school levels in the Altoona School District, she left teaching to run her parent's business, McIntyre's Candies. McIntyre's, with locations in Altoona and Hollidaysburg, grew substantially under her leadership and was known high-quality gifts and chocolates. McIntyre's became an important retail anchor for "intown" Altoona during the second half of the 20th century. Barb and Jack worked long hours together at McIntyre's, but also traveled extensively. In 2005, they retired in excellent health to Hilton Head Island, reluctantly leaving many lifelong friends in Altoona. In retirement they walked about 4 miles a day and played golf with friends. Barb had a strong faith and at the time of her death was a member of Providence Presbyterian Church. Barb is survived by her husband and her sister Kay. A memorial service will be celebrated on May 17 at 11:00 AM at Providence Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head Island, with a reception immediately to follow. Funeral arrangements will be managed by Sauls Funeral Home of Bluffton. The family suggests that gifts in lieu of flowers in Barb's memory could be given to the Deep Well Project of Hilton Head Island or the Hospice of the Lowcountry. A memorial service will be celebrated on May 17 at 11:00 AM at Providence Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head Island, with a reception immediately to follow.