Raymond E. Ebbers' Obituary
Raymond E. Ebbers, age 81, of Promise City, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines.
Raymond was born on August 8, 1944 in Rockwell, Iowa, the son of Harold and Gertrude (Rubeoltman) Ebbers. Raymond graduated from Rockwell Swaledale High School. Raised with strong values of hard work and faith, Raymond carried those principles with him throughout his entire life.
He was united in marriage to Melva Main on August 8, 1970. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Ted, Raejean, and Christina, who were a constant source of pride and joy to him. They later divorced. He was married to the love of his life, Mary Jo Stevens on October 19, 2002, and together they built a life centered on family, love, and dedication for almost 24 years. Raymond was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose quiet strength and dependable nature made him someone his family could always rely upon.
During high school, he worked at Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids doing electronics. Raymond spent much of his adult life farming, a profession that suited his hardworking spirit and deep appreciation for the land. He also worked for Voltmaster and Vermeer, where he was respected for his reliability and strong work ethic. No matter how busy life became, Raymond always found time for the things he loved most.
An outdoorsman at heart, he greatly enjoyed being around horses, hunting and fishing, finding peace and contentment in nature. Whether sitting beside a quiet fishing hole, on the back of a horse, or sharing stories after a hunt, those moments brought him happiness and created lasting memories with family and friends.
Faith was also an important part of Raymond's life. He was a faithful attendee of the Methodist Church in Promise City and Seymour, where he found fellowship, encouragement, and community throughout the years.
Left to honor Raymond's memory are his wife, Mary Jo Ebbers; his children, Ted Ebbers (fiancé Julie), Raejean Thise and Christina (Jeff) Koenig; his stepdaughter, Kathy (Bryan) Pregon; his grandchildren, Raegan, Cody, Reid, Ryan, Kierstyn, and Caitlynn; his step grandchildren, Katie and Dalton; seven great grandchildren; his brother, Larry Ebbers; as well as several extended family members.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Gertrude Ebbers; and his daughter, Michelle Ebbers in infancy.
Per Raymond's wishes, cremation has been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 27, 2026 from 12:00PM-4:00PM at the Promise City Community Center in Promise City, Iowa. Memorials have been established to Furever Friends Rescue, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Ebbers Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome .
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