Barbara June Raley

A Celebration of the Life of Barbara June Raley, 84, of Lufkin will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at First United Methodist Church, Lufkin, Texas. A private burial will precede the service. The family will host a reception at Crown Colony Country Club following the memorial service.  Father, Paul Bertram Boozer, and mother, Goldie Eula Selzer, gave birth to Barbara June Boozer July 22, 1939, in Denton, Texas and she died July 11, 2024, in Lufkin, Texas.

Barbara grew up and graduated high school in Sulphur Bluff, Texas where she participated in basketball, softball, and volleyball. She attended higher education at East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas where she met the love of her life, Ron Raley. The two were married August 17, 1958, in Sulphur Springs, Texas and thus began a love story that would last a lifetime. Barbara and Ron moved to Lufkin where they started their family. In 1970, Barbara and Ron moved to Jasper, Texas where they owned and operated the Western Auto Store with their three sons. Barbara subsequently ran the Travel Club at the First National Bank of East Texas, where she accompanied customers on trips around the world.

You could often find Barbara cooking in the kitchen for family and friends, filling the house with the warm, comforting smell of home-cooked meals. Her meals were more than just food; they were expressions of her love and care, bringing everyone together around the table. Even when it wasn’t her kitchen, Barbara would always extend a helping hand in preparing meals wherever she went. She enjoyed chatting with her family, friends, and with everyone around town. Her friendly demeanor and genuine interest made her a beloved figure in the community. She loved catching up on what everyone was doing, sharing stories, and offering a listening ear or kind word. Whether at home, the bank, a neighborhood gathering, or just passing by on the street, Barbara’s presence was a source of warmth and connection.

Barbara dedicated her life to her husband, children and grandchildren, always prioritizing her family’s’ needs and happiness. Her love and devotion were evident in every aspect of her life. Whether she was attending her grandchildren’s events, offering advice to her children, or sharing a loving moment with her husband, Barbara’s unwavering commitment to her family was a testament to her boundless love and nurturing spirit.

Barbara is survived by her brother, Don Boozer; sons, Richard, Stephen and wife Kelly, Ryan and wife Melissa; their grandchildren, Kyle, Randa, Rachel and husband Jake, Jarret, Levi, Cooper and wife Rachel, and Marci; and her great-grandsons, JC, Ross, and Tate.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, Ron Raley; and parents, Paul and Goldie Boozer.

Pallbearers will be all of her grandchildren.

The family of Barbara wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Pinecrest Memory Support staff, Affinity Hospice, the First United Methodist Church of Lufkin, CHI St. Lukes, Carroway Funeral Home, family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Pinecrest Retirement Community Memory Support Fund, 1302 Tom Temple Drive, Lufkin, Texas 75904.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.