Evelyn J. Rayner, age 96, of Cumberland, Ohio, died Thursday, December 12, 2024, at her home. She was born July 12, 1928, in Ava, daughter of the late Clyde Bond and Clara I.Perkins Bond Matheny. She was a 1946 graduate of Belle Valley High School. Evelyn was employed over the years by Carl’s Shoes in Caldwell, and RCA and NCR in Cambridge. She retired as an inspector for Arrow Plastics in Byesville. She was a member of the Ava Free Methodist Church and attended the Ava United Methodist Church. Evelyn took pride in caring for her home, where she loved to mow her grass and clean her cars. She enjoyed reading and working jigsaw puzzles. She was an excellent caregiver to her husband Jim, and was devoted to her family, especially her grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, James R. Rayner, whom she married in 1946 and who died December 28, 2002; a sister, Bonnie D. Kominar; two brothers, Clyde Bond and Tom Bond; and her step-father, George W. “Blackie” Matheny.
Surviving are her children, James M. (Sandy) Rayner and Kimberly A. (Gary) Thompson, all of Caldwell, and Rhonda K. (Rick) Gregg of Cumberland; 7 grandchildren, Jimmy (Shari) Rayner, Jason Rayner, Travis (Kristen) Thompson, and Joshua Thompson, all of Caldwell, Brad (Kacee) Gregg of Cambridge, Tim (Amanda) Gregg of Byesville, and Brandon Gregg of Cumberland; 13 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; two half-sisters, Beverly (Butch) McKee of Caldwell and April (Gene) Winberg of Greensboro, North Carolina; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family will observe a private graveside service at Halley’s Ridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Halley’s Ridge Cemetery Association, P. O. Box 181, Belle Valley, Ohio, 43717. McVay-Perkins Funeral Home, 416 East Street, Caldwell, is caring for the family.
