Ray Slaby

Raymond (Ray) A. Slaby

Ray was born on November 21, 1939 in South Bend, IN.  He passed away on July 6, 2020 in Indianapolis, IN after fighting a heroic battle with Alzheimer’s disease.  Ray was 80 years young.  He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of more than 34 years, Darlene, a relentless advocate who was always by his side during his journey with Alzheimer’s disease. He is also survived by his children Kirsten Slaby (Indianapolis, IN) and Byron Slaby (Ft. Thomas, KY), his sister Trudy Slaby Eissler (Roswell, GA), sister Nancy Garcia (Indianapolis, IN), and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, grandchildren, fraternity brothers, and a grandstand full of friends who were always a fan of his.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Alice Slaby, and brother Frank Slaby, Jr.

He graduated from Washington High School in South Bend, IN, in 1957 after which he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.  He later graduated and earned a master’s degree from Indiana University Bloomington.  His first career was as a high school history teacher at Grand Blanc High School in Grand Blanc, MI.  Later, he continued his career in education and worked his way to successfully become the Assistant Superintendent for the Indiana Department of Education.  Following a career in education, Ray continued his family’s legacy in real estate and founded Lifetime Properties, a successful property management company providing affordable, quality housing to thousands in the Indianapolis area for over 30 years. Ray was energized by hard work and worked well past the age of traditional retirement.  When referencing retirement, Ray would boldly proclaim his idea of retirement was a “100 year plan”.

Ray was a proud alumnus of Indiana University, a member of the Kappa Delta Rho fraternity, a loyal friend to acquaintances and strangers alike.  He could always tell a good story, enjoyed fine dining, travel, and making others smile and laugh, often with a pinch.  He loved dogs, baseball, cookies, a good party and purchasing anything in bulk (not necessarily in that order).

Ray’s family is grateful for the loving care and support he received from his caregivers at Story Cottage. A private graveside service will be held, and friends and family can watch a recording of the service on this webpage. A celebration of life will be held when we can all safely gather to remember, honor and share stories.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray’s memory to: the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter located at 50 E. 91st Street, Suite 100 Indianapolis, IN, 46240 and at www.alz.org/Indiana ; or Canine Companions for Independence located at 4989 State Route 37 East, Delaware, OH, 43015 and at www.cci.org/locations/north-central/