Denise "Deni" Ray

Denise Holman Ray (Deni Ray) Deni Ray, 54, of Phoenix, AZ formerly of the Fox Valley Area in Wisconsin, passed away Wednesday, March 28, 2012, at Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Denise Lynn Holman was born August 20, 1957 in Waupaca, Wisconsin the daughter of Darrell and Nancy (Peterson), Neenah. Deni is survived by her parents, her daughter Shana Leah Ray (Matt Pennau), her son Aaron Ray (Sarah Ray), grandson Max Ray, her sister Darcy Holman (Karen Sharp), her brother Darren Holman (Jan Andrews), and her fiancé Steve Wieland. She is also survived by aunts, uncles, and cousins, her beloved pets Bob and Fritz, and many special friends. She was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Clifford and Audrey (Cady) Holman and maternal grandparents, Norman and Lillian (Taggert) Peterson. Deni grew up in Neenah and graduated from Neenah High School where she played the oboe with the Swing Choir, Band and Symphony Orchestra. Afterwards, she attended UW-Stevens Point for one year; returning to Neenah to get married and start a family. Deni was married to Steve Ray at the First United Methodist Church in Neenah, where they resided briefly before moving to Appleton to raise their family. In addition to being a dedicated full-time mother, Deni contributed her talents to a local art framing shop for a number of years and also worked for a short time at Kimberly Clark. Eventually Deni decided to resume her education and attended UW-Oshkosh where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. During her education Deni’s talents were recognized by her ceramics professor, Dr. Paul Donhauser, who became her mentor and close friend. After graduation Deni participated in many art shows throughout the state where she was known for the hanging wall sculptures that featured her unique “pod people” and just over a year ago she moved to Phoenix with her fiancé where they worked together to operate their own house cleaning business. Deni had eclectic tastes in everything from art, movies and music to people and pets; she had a love for the unique and a gift for appreciating the unusual. Her hands excelled at creating beauty in ceramics, in the garden and in the sand. She had a nurturing spirit and often cared for family, friends, and animals in need. Deni loved to laugh and had a wicked, wonderful sense of humor. She was truly dedicated in all she did, but particularly in her love for her children and her new grandson, Max, who was the light of her life. Arrangements for a celebration of life will be held Sunday, May 20th from 11:00am to 2:00pm at the Scheig Learning Center in the Gardens of the Fox Cities., Appleton. In lieu of flowers contributions towards Deni’s living memorial may be sent to 374 Oak Haven Ct. Pickett, Wi 54964.