Raymond Joseph Stitt, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at the age of 81 years old.
After graduating from high school, he served in the Air Force, specializing in signals intelligence during the Vietnam War. He always liked to claim that he then “graduated from Grand Valley in two years, working two jobs, with four kids at home.” Before retirement, he had a series of jobs ranging from owning racquetball clubs, consulting for businesses, and working as a financial analyst.
Despite his seemingly grumpy exterior, we remember him as the most patient person who generously gave his full heart to his family. He was the perfect balance for his wife, Mary, as his mellow nature complemented her boundless energy. We will especially miss his amazing popcorn, his waffles loaded with mountains of butter and powdered sugar, and his grilled lemon chicken. With a recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s, he used it as motivation to be his best self, diligently attending spin, stretch, and strength classes each day at Evergreen Commons. He even rode the RAGBRAI, a popular bike ride across Iowa, for the Davis Phinney Foundation twice. Playing pickleball was a newfound passion, and he said, “When I play pickleball, I don’t feel like I have Parkinson’s.” He also read more science fiction books than anyone we know, and he had a special gift for taking naps.
Ray is preceded in death by his son Jim, brothers Dan and John, brother-in-law James Stuck, sisters-in-law Sue Stitt, Judy Stitt, and Eva Stitt.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; his children: Mike (Monica) Stitt, Monica (Steve) Stitt-Bergh, Anita (Shane) Hall, Michelle (Kolbey) Nelson, Doug (Jaimelyn) LaMore, Natalie (James) Murphy; brothers and sisters: Bob (Terry) Stitt, Ron (Judy) Stitt, Steve (JoAnn) Stitt, (Jayne) Stitt, Rosemary Stuck, Phil Stitt, Joanne (Robert Jr.) Stille, Jim (Jill) Stitt, thirteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
A funeral mass with military honors will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, April 21, 2025 at Our Lady of The Lake Catholic Church, 480 152nd Avenue in Holland. Father Charles Hall will be officiating. Burial will be in Lakewood Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Sunday, April 20 at Dykstra Funeral Homes -Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Avenue in Holland. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to Evergreen Commons, 480 State Street, Holland, MI 49423
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