Laura A. Ray

Laura Angela (Van Mantgem) Ray, 79, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, with her husband, Lee, by her side. Born on October 20, 1946, in Delft, Netherlands, Laura immigrated with her family to the United States in 1947, where she built a life devoted to family, faith, creativity, and caring for others.

Laura, a licensed practical nurse, started her career in nursing in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After becoming a mother in 1974, she devoted herself fully to her family in the roles she treasured most - mother, wife, and homemaker. Her love and care shaped the lives of her children and grandchildren, who became her greatest legacy.

A creative spirit, Laura loved music and singing, painting, sketching, and creating beauty in everyday life. While raising her young children, she spent time sewing clothes and Halloween costumes and crafting beautifully decoupaged plaques. Laura was also known as an incredible cook who lovingly prepared special home-cooked meals on a regular basis, as well as elaborate holiday gatherings and memorable birthday celebrations! Until recently, Laura lived in Carmel, Indiana for 37 years, where she was an active member of her local Episcopal churches, St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church followed by Holy Family Episcopal Church, and shared her faith through teaching Sunday school. Her kindness and joyful spirit touched many lives!

Laura is survived by her husband of 56 years, Lee; her children, Fleming, Leslie (husband, Jimmie), and Kimberly (husband, Rodrigo); and her seven grandchildren: Eliott, Audrey, Santi, Vivienne, Keegan, Maya, and Chloe. She is also survived by her siblings Jeanne Green, John Van Mantgem, Mary Kuyper, and Mark Van Mantgem. Laura was preceded in death by her parents, Gerrit and Cora Van Mantgem, and her brothers, Jerry and Jake Van Mantgem.

Laura will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose life reflected compassion, faith, creativity, and devotion to family. She is loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Visitation for Laura will take place on Monday, June 1, 2026 from 5 - 8pm at Flanner Buchanan - Oaklawn, 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN. Additional visitation will be held from 9-10am on Tuesday, June 2 from 9 - 10am at Holy Family Episcopal Church, 11445 Fishers Pointe Blvd., Fishers, IN. Services will follow at church at 1am. 

The family asks that those attending services please wear bright colors to celebrate Laura's spirit and love for life. 

To view a live feed of Laura's service, please click HERE