Jesse “Ray” Chittenden, 78, of Greenfield, passed away Thursday, October 20, 2016. He was born on November 3, 1937, in Helmsburg, Ind., as the son of Jesse L. and Nellie B. (Mason) Chittenden.
Ray graduated from Helmsburg High School in 1955. He worked as a millwright and was employed by Ford Motor Company in Indianapolis for 37 years before retiring in 2004.
Ray took great pride in working his small hobby farm. He enjoyed puzzles, practicing Judo and shooting when he was younger, carpentry, adventure, and traveling with his wife later in life. He loved spending time with his family and he was known for being a witty man.
Ray is survived by his son, Stephen R. (Monique) Chittenden of Lansing, Mich.; daughters, Shelby L. Edinger and Karla R. (David) Poer, both of Noblesville; stepdaughters, Brenda (David) Sellers of New Palestine, Becky (Derrick) Knopp of Greenfield, Beth (Scott) Holden of Greenfield and Jennifer (Ashley) Blair of Mooresville; 17 grandchildren, Anna Grace, Abigail, Joshua, Miranda, Kiley, Keegan, Caitlin, Hunter, Jace, Jaron, Jaxon, James, Jenna, Jorgi, Brody, Branson and Bowen; one great-granddaughter, Salem; and the mother of his children, Mary Eaks of Indianapolis.
Ray was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife, Barbara Chittenden; parents, Jesse and Nellie Chittenden; and brothers, Wesley Chittenden, Ivan Chittenden, Marshall Chittenden and John Chittenden.
A funeral service will be held at Noon on Friday, October 28, at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140 with calling two hours prior to the service. Pastor Roger Kinion will be officiating. Burial will follow at Park Cemetery in Greenfield.
Memorial contributions may be sent directly to the Alzheimer’s Association, 50 E. 91st St. #100, Indianapolis, IN 46240 or envelopes will be available at the mortuary.
Friends may share a memory or send a condolence at erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to [email protected].
