Ray John Duby

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ray John "Johnny" Duby, who left us peacefully and surrounded by family in his home on January 28, 2025, at the age of 78. Johnny was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a friend who could always be counted on to lend a hand when needed. Johnny was born June 13, 1946, in Grayling Michigan, the son of Ray J. and Marie E. (McCormick) Duby.

Johnny entered the US Army in June 1966 and served until honorably discharged in July 1968. He built a life in Lovells, Michigan and served as the Lovells Fire Chief intermittently for 20+ years and a member of the fire and EMS service from its inception. He was instrumental in starting the EMS service until his retirement in the year 2000, earning the respect and appreciation of the Lovells community. He also spent 21 years as a set-up person in the solder department, exceling in his position, with Wayne Wire Cloth in Kalkaska Michigan where he retired in 2022.

Johnny was passionate about country music and sharing good times with friends and family. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome, accepted and loved, but his greatest gift was his time which he gave freely to family, friends, and anyone in need. Above all, Johnny loved his wife, Anne (Steele) Duby. Together, they shared 17 years of marriage together filled with laughter, love, and an unwavering bond. His devotion to her was a testament to the depth of his heart and the love he carried for her.

Johnny is survived by his loving wife, Anne (Steele) Duby, Son Benjamin Duby (Marty Miller) (Lovells); daughter Tamara Kengel (Lovells); stepson Andy Van Guilder (Brenda) (Traverse City); stepdaughter Sara Trosper (Lovells); stepdaughter Rachel Robbins (Brooks) (Saginaw); and stepdaughter Margaret Rossler (Michael) (Hudson, Illinois). He is also survived by his sisters, Dorthy (Duby) Sova (Midland); and Julia (Duby) Diemert (Lovells); and former spouse Miss Annie (Jefferson) Duby, (Lovells). He was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Marie Duby, his brother Larry Duby, sisters Shirlee Lambert, Lois (Chop) Rose, Carole Sprague, son-in-law Marty Kengel, and son-in-law Michael Trosper.

He is lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Elizabeth Kengel, Lillian Kengel, Johnathan Kengel, Zachariah Kelly (Jaylin), Bradly Trosper (Kayla), Kyle Trosper, Casper Robbins, Hazel Rossler and Harlan Rossler, his great-granddaughter Abbigail Trosper, and many cherished and loved nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday June 14, 2025, in Lovells, Michigan to honor and remember the lasting impact that,” Johnny” “Dube” has made on all our lives.