Ely Twp- Ray M. Eliason, age 79 of Ely Township went home to be with his best friend, Jesus Christ on February 17 ^th , 2018 at his home where he wanted to be under the wonderful care of UP Home Health and Hospice and his wife.

Ray was born September 12, 1938 in Humboldt Twp to Matt and Saima (Perry) Eliason who preceded him in death, also his sister Laina Dunn and a brother Arne Eliason.

Ray is survived by is wife Darleen, whom he married in 1990 and spent their lives serving the Lord. His is also survived by his brother Edwin of Champion, his brother Dennis (Julie) of Ishpeming and his brother Paul (Elaine) of Humboldt. He is further survived by two special step-daughters, Hope (Tom) Carlson of Ishpeming, and Tonilee (Kurt) Cullison of Saginaw, MI, 4 grandchildren: Beth (Jeremy) Carlin of New Berlin, WI, Ashley Cullison of Grand Rapids, Luke (Vanessa) Carlson of Ishpeming and Andrew Cullison of Grand Rapids, 5 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He also left behind his "stepson" and his buddy Tom Carlson that he loved with all of his heart. They were of the same spirit. He will be dearly missed by so many people.

Ray was self-made business man. He started out working in the woods and then went on to build a motel in Champion, upon becoming business partners with his brother Dennis they built, owned and operated Starlite Motel in Negaunee and the Imperial Motel in Marquette. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce in Marquette and a member of Hope Free Lutheran Church for 40 plus years. Ray was known for 3 things, a man of faith, a extremely hard worker and one of the happiest and loving men there ever was. Everyone was his friend and his motto was "if you can get up and walk every morning, then it is a good day." If there was a need, Ray tried to the best of his ability to meet it. There wasn't a person who didn't love him.

Ray's family will greet relatives and friends at the Hope Free Lutheran Church in Ishpeming Twp on Thursday February 22, 2018 from 2:00 pm with services to be held at 4:00 pm with Pastor Dave Ryerson officiating. A lunch will follow.

Death is nothing at all, I have only slipped away in the next room. I am I, and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by my own familiar name, speak to me in the easy way which you have always used to. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.

Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Always keep me in your mind and heart as you always did. I am waiting for you, for a interval somewhere very near. Nothing is past nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How can we be sorrowful at my parting because if we are in Christ, we will meet again.

Ray's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

Ray's funeral service recording may be listened to here .