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Ray D. Sell Jr.

July 21, 1956 – Nov. 7, 2025

Sell

Ray D. Sell Jr., 89, Altoona, passed away Friday at UPMC Altoona after a brief illness.

Ray was born in Altoona, son of the late Ray D. and Cleda (Tyler) Sell Sr. He married Gretchen Wills on Aug. 3, 1957, and she preceded him in death on Nov. 18, 2021.

He is survived by two daughters, Gail Stoltz (Eric) of Blue Knob and Jennifer Rupert (Rob) of Laureldale; four grandchildren: Nichole Reyna (Gus), Justin Auker, Nicholas Stoltz (Audbrey) and Cameron Rupert; six great-grandchildren; a son-in-law, Rick Auker; sister-in-law, Connie Sell; and many nieces and nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by a daughter,

Deborah Auker; two sisters, Joanne Beach and Carol Maurer; and a brother, Fred Sell.

Ray was a 1954 graduate of Altoona High School and was a proud U.S. Air Force veteran.

He retired from Stevens Company as warehouse foreman after 39 years of full-time service and 11 years of part-time service.

Ray was a lifetime member of Altoona First Grace Brethren Church, where he served as a deacon, usher and treasurer of the church and Sunday school.

He enjoyed old cars and was a Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers football fan.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints" Psalm 116:15.

Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, at The Stevens Mortuary Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona. A private funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Interment will be at Carson Valley Cemetery.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made in Ray's memory to: Altoona First Grace Brethren Church, 2932 Maple Ave., Altoona, PA 16601; or Parkinson's Foundation; 1359 Broadway, Ste. 1509, New York, NY 10018.

Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

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