Josephine Mary Raska of Ray, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 6, 2019, at the age of 86 years.

Josephine was born March 26, 1933 in Davis, Michigan to Emery and Alice (De Visscher) Govaere. She fell in love while singing in the St. Mary’s church choir, to Donald Franklin Raska. They were married at St. Mary’s in Armada January 31, 1953. Josephine and Donald raised their family and spent 61 wonderful years together, until his passing in 2014. She worked at Selfridge as a secretary for the U.S. Army. Josephine was active within her community. She was involved with the Ray Senior Citizens Center, and the Berville VFW Auxiliary. Josephine took great pride in her Belgian roots and she always had a magnificent bed of flowers. Most important to her was her family. She will be missed dearly by all who had a chance to know her.

Josephine is survived by her children, James (Mary) Raska, Joseph Raska, Denise (Gary) Tabor, Evelyn (Richard) Schneider, Paul (Tricia) Raska; daughter-in-law, Laurie Raska; 13 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; siblings, Irene (the late Walter) Lucasak, Maryann (the late Stuart) Booth, Robert (Marilyn) Govaere, and Raymond (Dorothy) Govaere; and furry friend, Buddy. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Donald; son Donald Raska Jr.; one grandchild; parents, Emery and Alice; and sister, Dorothy (the late Albert) VanHoutte.

Visitation for Josephine will be held Monday, September 9, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary service at 7:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Mystical Rose Catholic Church, 24040 Armada Ridge Rd., Armada. She will be lying instate at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Willow Grove Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Josephine’s honor to St. Mary’s Mystical Rose Catholic Church or to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.