Bernadine "Bernie" Helen Ray, age 104, of Vandalia, IL, passed away Monday, September, 29, 2025 at Fayette County Hospital L.T.C. in Vandalia, IL.

She was born September 18, 1921 in Maroa, IL, the daughter of John Robert Peyton and Alta Fern (Idleman) Peyton. She married Albert Lee Ray on December 27, 1941 in St. Louis, Missouri. He passed away August 17, 2008. Bernie worked as a sales clerk at Don Jones studio in Vandalia, IL. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Vandalia, IL and was the organist there.

She is survived by her daughter; Barbara Akeman (Phillip) of Altamont, IL, a son in law, Kurt Nelson of Corona, CA, her grandchildren; Scott Akeman (Monique) of Worster, MA, Jeff Akeman (Laurie) of Effingham, IL, and Laurel Nelson of Austin, TX, and her great grandchildren; Logan Akeman (Laurie), Veronica Nelson, Rachel Akeman, and Layne Akeman.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother; Wendell Peyton, and her daughter; Suzann Nelson.

Funeral services will be held Saturday October, 4, 2025 at the Miller Funeral Home in Vandalia, IL, at 2:00 p.m. A visitation will be held prior, starting at 1:00 p.m., also at the Miller Funeral Home. A private burial will follow the services at the Fairlawn Cemetery in Vandalia, IL. Memorials can be made out to the First Christian Church of Vandalia, IL. Miller Funeral Home, Vandalia, IL, is in charge of arrangements. Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.millerfh.net