Helene Okray

Okray, Helene M. MONONA Helene M. Okray, age 92, passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2008. She was born on June 6, 1915, in Chili, the daughter of Clark and Vera (Beeckler) Waterman. She graduated from Mosinee High School, then continued her studies at UW-Stevens Point, where she received her teaching degree. Helene was united in marriage to Ralph A. Okray on Oct. 7, 1939. Together they made their home in Monona and Helene enjoyed substitute teaching at Monona Grove High School for 30 years. She will be fondly remembered as "Ma Oaks" and later as "Grandma Oaks" among her students. She was a charter member of Monona United Methodist Church, where she was very active in many roles including Sunday school superintendent. Helene was involved with the Order of the Eastern Star and served as Worthy Matron in Starlite Chapter No. 283. She lived a full and happy life on her treasured Lake Monona and touched many lives through her enthusiasm and joy! She is survived by her children, Peter (Cathy) Okray of Madison, James (Bev Wilson) Okray of Monona, and Emily (Ted) Vanke of Sharon Township, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Jennifer (David) Kinsler, Julie (Tim) Schmitt, James Okray, Daniel (Therese) Okray, Elizabeth (Robert) Klingbile, Benjamin Vanke, and Katharine (Jeff) Enger; and five great-grandchildren, Grant, Alex, Aaron, Samantha and Savannah. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph; and two brothers, Ronald and James Waterman. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2008, at 11 a.m. at MONONA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 606 Nichols Rd., Monona, with the Rev. Sandra Gaylord presiding. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2008, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, with an Order of the Eastern Star service at 7:30 p.m. Memorials may be made in Helenes name to Monona United Methodist Church or to the Order of the Eastern Star Starlite Chapter No. 283.