Ova Raleigh

RALEIGH, Ova, age 75, of Vandalia, went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, November 17, 2005. Ova was born in Jackson, KY, and moved to Dayton in 1952. He was a United States Army Veteran and a retired employee of the Chrysler Corporation. He was a faithful member and musician of the Northridge Freewill Baptist Church. Ova was a gifted musician and spent his retirement years playing and singing gospel music with family and friends for the enjoyment of nursing home patients. He passed his love of music onto his sons and grandson. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years Geneva; his four sons, Gary and wife Louann Raleigh of Vandalia, James Raleigh of Dayton, Darwin Raleigh of Dayton, Byron Raleigh of Dayton; two daughters, Debbie and Rick Miller of Vandalia, Linda and Harold Ritter of Mason; grandson, Alan Raleigh of Vandalia; 5 granddaughters, Cheyenne Raleigh of Dayton, Audrey Wagner of Oswego, IL, Heather Corrin of Vandalia, Miranda Leis of Navarre, FL, Alisha Cagg of Vandalia; 4 great-grandchildren. Ova was very blessed to have cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends that always stayed in close touch. Ova was a devoted husband and father. He had a keen sense of humor, a passion for food, and the ability to take the step out of step-children. He will be missed by all that loved him. The family extends gratitude to the staff of hospice for their loving and compassionate care. Funeral services will be held Monday, November 21, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. at Northridge Freewill Baptist Church where visitation will be held 1 hour prior to time of service. Pastor Timothy Hamilton will be officiating. If desired, donations may be made to Hospice of Dayton. Interment will be in Dayton Memorial Park Cemetery.