Reo “Ray” Blythe (94) of Stewardson

Reo “Ray” Blythe, 94, of Stewardson, IL passed away at 2:15 a.m. on Saturday, November 28, 2020, at Evergreen Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Effingham, IL. 

Ray was born on April 11, 1926, in Shelby County, the son of Seth and Kathryn (Ashenbremer) Blythe.  He was a veteran of the United States Army stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict. Ray and Carol Lou Bivins were united in holy matrimony on September 24, 1961, and were blessed with 57 years of marriage before her passing on March 16, 2019.  Ray was a lifelong farmer in the Stewardson area and a long-standing member of the Stewardson United Methodist Church.     

Surviving are his children:  Larry “James” Blythe of Searcy, AR, Patty (Randy) Renner of Stewardson and Brad Blythe of New York, NY; five granddaughters; two grandsons:  Tyler (Jennifer) Renner of Stewardson and Ryan (Elizabeth) Renner of Strasburg; 19 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; sister, Clara Elgin of Neoga; brothers-in-law:  Harry Bivins and Sam Bivins Jr, both of Effingham.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Seth and Kathryn Blythe; wife, Carol Blythe; five siblings:  Lucy, Opal, Charles, Carl and Don. 

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at the Stewardson United Methodist Church with Reverend David Ducommon officiating.  Burial will take place in Stewardson Cemetery with military rites by the Wilbur Braughton American Legion Post 611 of Stewardson.  Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at Brummerstedt Funeral Home in Stewardson.  Memorials may be made in Ray’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association and mailed to Brummerstedt Funeral Home, %Ray Blythe, 302 W. Main St., Shelbyville, IL 62565.  Brummerstedt Funeral Home in Stewardson is assisting the family.

Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story in Ray’s honor by clicking here.