Obituaries

Raymond E. Menges, Jr., 81

November 25, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Raymond E. Menges, Jr., 81 of Lancaster. He passed away at home on Monday, November 25th. Ray lived a full and rich life, touching the lives of many others on his journey. Ray was born in Gettysburg to the late Raymond and Dorothy (Revlock) Menges. After high school Ray earned a degree in education from Gettysburg College and began his career as a social studies teacher at Gettysburg Jr. High School. Ray went on to receive a Master’s degree in counselor education from Shippensburg University.

In 1968 Ray married Beth (Stitely) Menges and they went on to share 56 years of marriage and three wonderful sons. Also, that year they moved to Lancaster where Ray began a 30-year career as an educator in the School District of Lancaster. Ray was passionate about education and during his tenure he served in many capacities beginning as a school counselor. Ray received certification as a school administrator from Western Maryland College and became house principal at McCaskey High School. Ray went on to serve in central administration as Director of Buildings and Grounds. His final position at the district was Director of Human Resources. Ray had great respect for the dedication and expertise of the faculty and staff in the School District of Lancaster.

Family and home were Ray’s greatest joys in life. He loved spending time with his sons and grandchildren. Ray enjoyed taking meticulous care of their home and gardens. His skill and passion for landscape design, plantings and colorful flowers was evident to all who visited their beautiful gardens. Ray set high standards for himself and had a tireless work ethic. He could organize an approach to any task and didn’t stop until it was completed.

Ray will be deeply missed by his wife, Beth; his sons Scott (Tina Fickes), East Petersburg; Craig (Allison Botto), Philadelphia; and Jeffrey (Paula Zschoche), Burke, VA; and his grandchildren, Wesley and Zoe.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 10 Delp Road, Lancaster PA 17601, on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family in Green Hill Cemetery, Waynesboro. In lieu of flowers please contribute to a charity of your choice.

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Condolences to the Family

December 09, 2024

Mr Menges was very kind to me when my mom passed. I was on a field trip that day and he came and got me. I will never forget that.
My condolences to his family

December 07, 2024

Dear Beth,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Ray’s death. Ray and Sue had such a wonderful professional relationship and did a lot of wonderful educational successes together. My condolences to you and your family.

Bob Walker

December 03, 2024

Dear Menges Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences. Memories of my professional relationship with Ray brings a smile to my face. Ray was a a very good listener and innovative problem solver. He was polite, careful, thoughtful and considerate. His wisdom and judgement impacted positively on those with whom he interacted. May his memory be a blessing.
Robert Ruder

December 01, 2024

Ray was a great Father in law & father figure for me for 15 years. He always supported education & even my alternative one as a licensed massage therapist. He assisted in everything, no matter where we lived in the world. Never being a pet person, he loved our Lotus (pug) & she adored Ray. Thank you for all the years of support, love, laughs, tears, graduations, vacations, dinners, weddings and sharing your beautiful home with me. My family mourns too and always respected Ray deeply. Give Lotus kisses from me~ Ray lots of love Amy♡

December 01, 2024

Mr. Raymond E. Menges, Jr. was one of the really good ones. Kind, compassionate, lending a listening ear, and intervening to help at a most critical time. May the Lord remember this man in a very special way. I will. May the family rest with peace knowing that kindness and peacemaking are the highest orders of human quality and Mr. Menges personified these with gentile compassion. Prayers are with family and friends.

November 30, 2024

My sincere sympathy to Beth and Family. I first met Ray many years ago when my son transferred to what was then Wheatland Jr. High. Ray was instrumental in correcting a placement issue that allowed my son to have a successful school experience from that year until he graduated. I’ve always been grateful for Ray’s efficient handling of the situation. Ray was a good man and he made a difference.

November 28, 2024

Dear Beth, Scott, Craig and Jeff, please accept our heartfelt sympathy on Ray’s passing. We feel devastated by the loss of our dear friend and mourn with you. Ray was the consummate host and always made guests feel welcome in your home. He and Beth made a great team! We cherish the memories of our travels together to London, Paris, New Orleans and more. Ray loved visiting Longwood and other gardens. We will miss those trips with him, and dining out, card games where none us could remember the rules, concerts and plays. Nothing will be the same. Ray was a good friend and a good man who left us much too soon.

Visitation: Saturday, January 04, 2025; 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM; St. Peter’s Lutheran Church; 10 Delp Rd; Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17601
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Services: Saturday, January 04, 2025; 11:00 AM; St. Peter’s Lutheran Church; 10 Delp Rd; Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17601
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >