Menia “Ray” Raines was welcomed into heaven October 30, 2025 at the age of 95. She was born January 22, 1930 in Gainesville, Florida to the late Ray Cassels and Armenia Smith Cassels.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM with a Memorial Service to follow on Friday, November 7, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Victoria, Texas.

Ray grew up the only child of Ray and Armenia Cassel. Her childhood was colorful growing up during the great depression as the only girl with 6 boy cousins who she hunted and fished with. She could be found driving around with a cart pulled by a billy goat in Lochloosa, a community her father was from. She graduated from Gainesville High School and went on to attend the University of Florida, where she was one of the first 13 woman to graduate from the University of Florida. From there she owned and operated Little Ray's Super market, a grocery store in Gainesville. It was there that she met J. C. Raines after he had returned from serving in the Marines. They were married May 22, 1956. During this time, they welcomed their 'one and only' daughter, Jessie Ray Raines. They had numerous businesses in Florida, then in 1972 they moved to Victoria, Texas and owned and operated Raines Brick Tile & Flooring. When J. C. died in 1992, she continued to operate the brickyard. Ray was always active whether studying and discussing the stock market or investing in rental property she faced life with work ethic and determination.

Ray was a woman "before her time". She worked and competed in a man's world her entire life and never questioned it, she did what was required to be successful this was her "normal." She was quoted in her High School year book, "Can't is not in my dictionary". After a successful career she went to live with her daughter and son-in-law Gary Burns after her second back surgery. It was intended to be temporary until she recovered from her back surgery, but she finished her life out with them. Being close to her daughter, they enjoyed a game of gin rummy every afternoon or Mexican bingo depending how she felt. She had many care givers in her life but Anita Suniga, Christine Espinoza and Julie Monteal cared for her in her later years with dedication, love and patience. Much appreciation goes to these fine ladies for their work.

Ray was known for her blunt honesty, not one to mince words she spoke her mind, unapologetically and frankly. Wearing your feelings on your sleeve was not a good idea around her. You always knew where you stood with her, if she chastised you it was always short lived and forgotten. She believed in honesty, & hard work which she exemplified in the life she lived.

In her last few days, she expressed she was tired and ready to go home to be with Jesus.

In addition to her parents, Ray was preceded in death by her loving husband, J.C. Raines; son-in-law, Tomas Muniz.

Leaving to cherish her memory is her only daughter, J.R. Burns (Gary) of Victoria, Texas; granddaughter, Sydney Ayn Burns-Poncik (Ryan); bonus grandchildren, Danielle Burns (Erik Barraza), Lindy Reisinger (Anthony); great-grandsons, River and Briggs Barraza; great-granddaughter, Purusa Reisinger.

Thoughts and memories may be shared online at www.gracefuneralhome.net.

Arrangements and services are under the personal care of Grace Funeral Homes and Cemeteries.