Rayma Mae Martin

Rayma Mae Mitchell Dines Martin was born on May 30, 1927, to parents Arthur Ray Mitchell and pearl Louise Steely Mitchell in Galena, Kansas. Rayma passed away peacefully in Merced, Ca. on November 23, 2023. Rayma attended school in Galena, Kansas from elementary through high school.

In middle school, Rayma learned Hawaiian dancing and performed for different civic groups. In high school, Rayma played saxophone in the Marching Band. She also played the electric steel guitar in her own seven-piece band. The band played at events in town while so many were off in the war.

Also, at age of 15, Rayma began working at the local radio station, WMBH, in Joplin, Mo., which was 6 miles from Galena, Ks. Rayma graduated high school in 1944. She then attended Joplin Business College and continued working at WMBH.

On January 28, 1945, Rayma married her high school sweetheart, Jim Dines. While Jim was overseas, Rayma had their daughter, Cheryl, in 1946. When Jim returned home, they had their son, Jim, in 1947.

In 1947, the family moved to live in Joplin, Mo. Rayma worked at Hynes Drug store for the Mayor of Joplin. The new Sears Store opened and Rayma became the assistant manager of Fashions for the store.

Over the years, in addition to raising her children, she was an avid bridge player in two groups and was a member of the Joplin Women’s Club. She played golf at the Twin Hills Country Club and became President of the Country Club’s Women’s Golf Association. She was also a member of the Tri-State Golf Association.

Rayma was an active member of St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church. She served as Co-chair for the St. John’s Hospital Reviews to raise money for the new hospital.

After Rayma and Jim divorced in 1972, she became manager of the new Neff’s Ladies Fashion store there in Joplin. A few years later Rayma moved to Kansas City, Mo. She became Assistant Buyer of Fashions for the Hartzfeld’s store on the Plaza. In addition to being Assistant Buyer, she also presented Fashion Shows over the Tri-State area for Hartzfeld’s.

Rayma moved on to become Assistant Store Manager for Adler’s Store there in K.C. Then Rayma opened her own couture Women’s Fashion Store with another partner called The Pampered Lady. After several years, she sold the store and moved to Albuquerque to be with her son and his family. While there she worked for a lady’s fashion store. She also went to Community College there to learn about the travel business.

In 1986, Rayma moved to Merced, Ca., to be with her daughter and her family. For 14 years, Rayma was the Fashion Coordinator for Gottschalk’s in Merced. She also ran all the Fashion Shows in the store and out of the store for different organizations. Rayma also worked in the Travel Agency that was in Gottschalk’s.

While with Gottschalk’s, Rayma was in charge of the high school young ladies program that the store sponsored. It was called the High Debs Program. You ladies learned about fashion, etiquette, modeling, etc., taught by Rayma.

In 1993, Rayma was reunited with a friend, Jeff Martin. She had known Jeff since junior high school in Galena, Kansas. They were married in 1996. Rayma and Jeff were married for almost 27 years. They loved to entertain, play golf, and be with family and friends. Sadly, Jeff passed away this past May. They had many happy years together!

At the age of 79, Rayma retired form Gottschalk’s. during all her years in Merced, Rayma had belonged to three different bridge groups and the Merced Women’s Club. She was president twice for the Club. Rayma also served on the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church’s Altar Guild.

All her life, Rayma loved people and being active with them. She was a great cook and often had parties or dinners at her home. She loved all of her family and friends! Rayma will be greatly missed by them all!

Rayma will be buried in May, 2024, with Jeff at the National Military Cemetery at Santa Nella. Rayma and Jeff have family in different states and countries. Their family and friends will come together at that time to honor them both!

Rayma is survived by her son, James and wife Nancy, her daughter, Cheryl, Grandsons: James and wife Myla, Nick, Jay and wife Seonji, Lucas and wife Nicole, and great-grandchildren: Kira, Zia, David, Johnny, Lina, and Jimmy.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Martin family.