Justus Ray Treece

Justus "Ray" Treece, 92, of Paulding, Ohio, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Country Inn Enhanced Living Center.

Ray was born in Latty, Ohio on March 8, 1933, the seventh son of the late Ruth Phoebe (Hicks) and Peter Wixon Treece.

Ray will be remembered for his humility, gentle spirit, good humor and unconditional love for others. Although he wasn’t raised on a farm, he set out to establish himself as a farmer after returning from Army service during the Korean War. His successful farming legacy continues into the third generation. He served on the National Soybean Board and the National Farmer’s Organization. He was also an owner of the Grover Hill Grain for many years. Ray also led a life of selfless service to others. He spent countless hours making ice cream at various community events and providing medical and optical resources to local families on behalf of the Grover Hill Lions Club.

He was a faithful Christian and a member of Grover Hill Zion Church for over 50 years where he served and attended. He sat on the Grover Hill School Board and was instrumental in the formation of the Wayne Trace school system, serving for a number of years on their board. Ray also worked diligently to establish the first school and workshop at Parc Lan School.

Ray enjoyed worldwide travel, attending local sporting events, reading, jigsaw puzzles, ice cream, popcorn and people. He strived to live a “life of love” as outlined in Ephesians 4 - “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

Ray will be greatly missed by his wife of 72 years, Maxine (Elston), to whom he was married on April 11, 1953; children, Dennis (Jane) Treece, Debra (Jim) Caserta and Kristy (Jay) Smith; daughter-in-law, Karla (Erford) Treece; grandchildren, Brock (Kathryn), Devon (Liz), Brant (Rachel) and Dane (Brittany) Treece, Shanna (Andrew) Barton, Lauren (Matthew) Oesterle, Brianna Treece (Nick Wobbrock), Emily (Jordan) Pugh, Justin (Kylie) and Grant (Caitlin) Caserta, Karissa and Dayna Smith and 20 great grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his son, Ronald Ray Treece, beloved daughter-in-law Pat (Plescher) Treece and siblings, Nancy, Richard, Frank, John, Bill, Don and Jim Treece, Margaret Reece and Elizabeth Williamson.

Ray's Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 3:00 pm at Grover Hill Zion Community Church, 204 Harrison Street, with a reception at the Lion’s Club 104 S Main until 6:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Lifewise Wayne Trace  (www.lifewise.org/waynetraceoh ) or Country Inn Activity Department.

Fond memories may be shared at dooleyfuneralhome.com and the family will also compile a book of memories at the reception.