Raymond G. “Ray” Schantz

Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Moss Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Thursday, July 23, 2026

10:30 a.m.

Marine United Church of Christ, Marine, IL

Raymond G. “Ray” Schantz, age 90, of Highland, and formerly of Marine, passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at HSHS St. Elizabeth Hospital in O’Fallon. He was born January 12, 1936, in St. Louis, MO, a son of the late Socrates and May (nee Houghton) Schantz.

Ray married Alice Hansel on October 5, 1963, at St. John’s Methodist Church in Edwardsville and she passed away March 12, 2009. He then married Billie Dobbs-Spears-Wells on June 23, 2012, in Highland, who survives. Ray is also survived by his children, Michael A. (Lisa) Schantz of Highland, Vicki M. (Tim) Strubinger of Highland and step son, Jason Spears of Greenville; grandchildren, Kelsey Sloan, Zachary (Fiancée-Kristin Gooch) Schantz, Michaela (Lucas) Stewart, Abby Sloan, Emma Strubinger, Evan Strubinger, Tyson Strubinger and Whitney Spears; great grandchildren, Maevelyn Schantz and Boen Stewart; brother-in-law, Larry (Bernice) Fricke and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his first wife and parents, Ray was preceded in death by siblings, Margery (Robert) Bryer and John (Janet) Schantz; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Fricke and Evelyn “Loni” Hansel; and parents-in-law, Alonzo and Ruth (nee Brown) Hansel.

Ray was drafted into the United States Army in 1958 and completed his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in January 1959. Ray was a dedicated businessman, a pioneering community leader, and a master craftsman. As the proud second-generation owner and operator of Schantz & Sons, Inc. in Marine, Ray spent decades perfecting his craft before his well-earned retirement in 2020. He possessed a deep passion for the family business, frequently traveling to trade shows where he took immense pride in showcasing the custom, high-quality trailers they fabricated. His sharp mind and skilled hands were never truly at rest, as he could almost always be found tinkering with his next project.

Beyond his professional success, Ray was fiercely committed to the safety and development of his community. He served as the fire chief of the Marine Fire Department, leading the department with distinction, courage, and integrity for 30 years. Ray was a member of Marine United Church of Christ and a former little league coach.

Ray lived life to the fullest through a variety of hobbies. He enjoyed bowling, playing cards, going to the races and camping. One of his favorite escapes was spending time at the clubhouse in Clarksville, Missouri. Ray’s legacy of hard work, community service, and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Funeral Service will be Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at Marine United Church of Christ in Marine, with Pastor Nancy Brooks, presiding. Interment will follow at Marine Cemetery, with military honors.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., and Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m., at Moss Funeral Home in Highland.

In lieu of flowers, plants, or other gifts, memorials may be made Marine Fire Department and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 1501 9^th St., Highland, IL 62249, who is serving the family.