Obituary of Raymond W. Vanhoutte

Raymond W. VanHoutte of 122 North 17th Street, passed away on Monday, Oct. 24, 2016 at the Absolut of Allegany, surrounded by his family, following a courageous battle with cancer. Ray was born April 18, 1937, in Olean and was the son of Amos V. and Helen Siffrinn VanHoutte. On Sept. 20, 1958, at the Trinity United Methodist Church, he married his wife of 58 years, Judith Brown who survives. Ray graduated from Bradford High School in 1955. Upon graduation, he worked at Blumenthal's Shoe Store for 31 years until it's closing in 1989. Ray then worked for the Olean School System for 14 years from 1991-2005 as a night cleaner. Ray was known for his great sense of humor. He would comment "Laughing makes your belly feel good". An avid supporter of Trinity Methodist Church, Ray served faithfully at Trinity for over 50 years and was recently honored with his wife Judith for their dedication. Ray sang in the choir for 31 years. He enjoyed his work, especially around the kids, and everyone that knew him loved him. Ray loved the sun, watching birds, country music especially "Willie Nelson" and a good beer, but above all he loved his wife and family and spending time with them. Surviving besides his wife of 58 years are four children, Deborah (Neal) Teachman of Olean, David (Karen Lynn) VanHoutte of Clarence, Robert (Melissa) VanHoutte of Olean, and Linda (Larry) Huff of Olean; eleven grandchildren, Rick Kyser, Haleigh (Tony) Gingras, Randy (Julia) Kyser, Kathryn VanHoutte, Ashleigh (Brian Wallace) VanHoutte, Christopher VanHoutte, Kyleigh VanHoutte, Emaleigh VanHoutte, Gabrielle Huff, Lileigh VanHoutte, and Zachary Huff; three great grandsons and several nieces and nephews; a brother, Robert (Lois) VanHoutte of Bradford; two sisters, Mary Jane Williams of Portville and June (Larry) Brown of Bradford; two sisters-in-law, Joyce VanHoutte and Mary Sue VanHoutte both of Bradford; and cousin, Frank & Jane Haley. Ray was predeceased by three brothers Amos, Richard, and James VanHoutte; and a brother-in-law James Williams. Friends will be received at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 131 North 9th Street, Olean, N.Y. from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016 and from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016 at which time a memorial service will be held. The Rev. LaMont A. Higginbottom, Pastor of the Trinity United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will be in the Allegany Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., #646 E. State St., Olean. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 131 North 9th Street, Olean, NY 14760. Online condolences may be made by clicking the button above.