Ray J. (nee Gallo) Payne
July 28, 1940 - August 9, 2025
On the morning of Saturday, August 9th, 2025, Ray J. (nee Gallo) Payne’s soul left us, but her spirit remains.
Ray (Rachel) was the loving daughter of the late Joseph A. and Alda “Jean ” Gallo. She was born on July 28, 1940 and raised in Pennsylvania. Her fondest childhood memories were of growing up in Ridley Park with her younger brother, Joseph S. Gallo and playing with her loving cousins and friends.
After graduating with honors, Ray was accepted into a prestigious acting school. She had a passion for the Arts, especially writing and acting. However, Ray chose a different path. She met her future husband, James W. Ronneburger, Jr. and together they had 4 daughters. They eventually moved to New Castle, Delaware. Jim passed away in 1976. Ray continued to raise “the girls” while working full-time at Acme Markets (where she was employed since her teens) and other various part-time ventures to provide a Catholic school education for them. Her work ethic was commendable and her strength was unshakable.
Ray later married her second husband, Ted Payne. With that union the family welcomed Ted’s son, Stephen to the crazy mix. Eventually, Ted and Ray moved to St. Augustine, Fla. where they reconnected with old friends and made new ones. Ray was a manager at Whetstones Chocolate Shop and later became a volunteer at Flagler Hospital. They resided in St. Augustine until Teds passing in 2018.
Ray moved back to Delaware in 2019 to be closer to her family. It was such a blessing to get to spend cherished family time together! She made so many lasting friendships along her travels -even up to the very end. Ray was very sociable, witty and gracious. She had a big heart and opinions to match! She was a friend to all and would “set you straight” if she felt necessary. Her clever sense of humor, unwavering loyalty, and love for life (and pizza) will be forever missed.
Her soul was greeted into Heaven by her parents, brother, husband, many relatives and friends but first in line was her daughter Carol, whom she longed to be reunited with. Left to continue her legacy are her caring daughters, Gina Scarmozzi (Nick), Susana Minkalis (George) and Gail Ronneburger (Charlie); bonus son, Stephen Payne (Carol); sister-in-law and devoted friend, Betty Gallo; and a host of relatives, grand-children, great grand-children and friends!
In honoring Rays wishes, (this obituary is even crossing the line) there will be no service. Her wish was for everyone to celebrate and rejoice that she lived, not sad that she has passed. We will all honor and cherish her memory in our own way. We ask that you do the same.
Geri
Simply, forever loved, forever missed, forever in my heart.
Pamela Johnson-Smith
I was blessed to have Ray enter my life in 1977 when she married my father’s life long friend, Ted Payne. No words can truly express my deep love for Ray! She was one of the kindest people I know and always concerned for others before herself. My family and I shared so many laughs around the dinner table and at holidays when Ted and Ray couldn’t make it back to DE. Yes, what a witty sense of humor!!! My heart is heavy as I selfishly wish for more time with her but at the same time joyous that she is reunited with loved who have gone before her.
Ray loved birds and while on a hike in the Colorado Rockies this past week a hummingbird appeared out of nowhere hovering in front of me making me think of Ray. What a special moment to reflect on the beauty of her soul. God bless you Ray!
With all my love, Pam
Carol Stein-Payne
The joy, laughter and wisdom that Ray shared with us all will be a gift we can cherish forever. Her wonderful family is a forever gift, as well. I am so grateful to have known her! XOXO ❤️
Cookie
Oh cousin Ray,we had such good times, early in life and in our later years. I’m missing you now and will continue till we meet again with our Lord
Jean Beckenstrater
My heart felt condolences to the family. Ms. Ray was a beautiful soul inside and out. God bless and strengthen the family in the days and weeks to come.
Heather Scarmozzi
As I sat beside your bedside my heart was crushed and sore; I promised to always keep my doors open to the end, and you promised to open yours.
In tears we watched as we cared for you, fighting so hard along the way, And though our hearts were breaking We knew you could not stay.
You left behind so many aching hearts, Everyone that knew you, loved you most sincere. We never shall forget you, Mom Mom. Your memory we will always keep near.
Although the main link to our family may now be broken, Our link is strong because the love you taught us, that Mom Mom we know is the token.
The sunshine of our happy home, right now is as cloudy as can be, But God ascended from Heaven for you and said Fear Not for Your Mom Mom is Up Here With Me!
We love you Mom Mom Ray
Heather, Anaiya, & Ra’Shan
Dee Williams
I did not know Mrs. Ray for a very long time but a little bit of time that I got to spend with her and care for her I got attached to her. She was a very loving woman and she loved her children. May you rest in peace until we meet again🙏❤️
Sharon Newcomer
I was able to finally meet my grandson’s beautiful Great Grandmother this year at a dinner the family had and I feel so blessed and yet so sorry I couldn’t spend more time with her. She was such a lovely, happy lady. We chatted n had quite a few laughs that nite. Sending my prayers to Gail, Susan & Gina and the rest of the family. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Dale Ronneburger
O my Aunt Ray ❤️ you were the best aunt any niece could ever ask for. I’m going to miss our phone calls , you would call and chat and make sure we were all ok in North Carolina. I have wonderful memories of you and I’m so glad that you’re reunited with CAROL first of all, and then our family members that have gone before you, I’m praising God for healing your body and you’re not suffering anymore you’re with your loved ones as we were promised 🙏 we will see you again one day Aunt Ray please give my dad and sister and Uncle jimmy hugs 🤗 I’m going to miss you 😢 😭😢 I was so lucky 🍀 to have you in my life!
love always and forever
your favorite niece ❤️🙏❤️ Dale ❤️🙏❤️😭😭I’m heart broken 💔 💔💔💔
Toni Norris Osman
Rest in peace. So sorry for your loss Gina, Susan and Gail
Rachel Payne
Ray was one of the kindest souls I ever met. Even though she had so many grandchildren, she made me one of hers as well. It didn’t hurt that she was funny, stylish, and great to spend time with. I’m so grateful for all the love she gave me and my family over the years. Ray, you showed us how it’s done and you will be truly missed.
Delores Joy
When I think of Ray I hear the laughter, the heated discussions and the wonderful Italian meals she cooked. She was so artistic in her decorations. We went to Zumba and a memoir class together. In memoir class, she wrote hilarious stories about her adventures. You made life so much fun even when you were in pain. Be at peace my friend.
Delores Johnson
Somehow I posted my message before I was finished. In memoir class she wrote hilarious stories about her adventures.
You made life so much fun even when you were in pain. Be at peace my friend.
Delores Johnson
Ray was such a wonderful friend. The dinners we shared with heated discussions and lots of laughter. Both Ray and Ted loved Halloween. He made scary outside decorations and Ray loved seeing the kids in their costumes. Memories overflow, Zumba and a memoir class where Ray wrote hilarious stories about some of her adventures. I will miss you but glad you are with all you loved who have gone before you.
Roro
Although I’ve never met her, I have the honor of knowing her Daughter and I can tell just from her seed that she was an outstanding mom, reading this obituary now, I can see that my assumption was correct, I’m sad that I did get to know her. Condolences to the entire Family, I pray that you guys find comfort in each other through this tough time.
Geri E.Garnett
My Soul Sister, my eternal friend, you are missed beyond which any language could provide. Your essence, love and laughter will remain with me the rest of my days. But, perhaps we will find ourselves, once again, around a heavenly table, if not a kitchen one, talking, sharing, laughing, discussing the world’s foibles and even our own, “solving” problems or just sitting in silence and yet, still communicating. You are so loved by your family, so many other friends, by me, and I believe, more than you ever knew. Perhaps you know now. I hope to see you again one day, and then as we always do, we’ll catch up, as if we were never apart.