Raymond J. Ibarra, Jr.

Raymond Julian Ibarra Jr. joined our Heavenly Father on October 12th, 2023 after his courageous 33 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Ray went peacefully surrounded by family as a result of a complication from MS. Ray was born to parents Raymond and Rita Ibarra on June 4th, 1957 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. He was raised in Overland Park, KS, graduating from Shawnee Mission North High School in 1975. Ray then attended Johnson County Community College for two years before completing his bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Kansas. After college, he practiced Occupational Therapy in Chicago where he met his wife, Nancy Wilkinson, at Moody Memorial Church. Ray and Nancy began a beautiful life together in Evanston, IL where they started their family. In 1991, Ray accepted a job with NovaCare which brought their family to Lenexa, KS. He was happy to be reunited with his large extended family throughout Kansas City. 

Ray was officially diagnosed with MS when he was 33 years old, but he did not let that define him. Anyone who knew Ray, knew he was the most gregarious, welcoming, positive, selfless man who did not know a stranger. Many would say his presence instantly lit up a room. His social personality and contagious joy made him the best church greeter at Westside Family Church. Although he was a proud OT, his favorite role was being a father and grandfather. Ray’s three children, Josh, Jeremy and Julianne, describe their dad as the most supportive, involved, caring, loving father, with a great sense of humor. He was always there for them, cheering them on.

In Ray’s earlier years he loved dancing, running, and musical theater. In the later years of his life Ray spent it doing what he loved most:  spending precious moments with his family, keeping in touch with old friends, joking, laughing, and volunteering at the MS Society. Despite Ray’s unfortunate diagnosis, his faith was steadfast. He never complained about life’s circumstances, and remained devoted to his Christian faith. Although our hearts will forever miss him, we are confident he is running through the gates of heaven, free of MS. 

Ray was preceded in death by his mother and father, Rita and Raymond Ibarra, mother-in-law Elizabeth Wilkinson, father-in-law Donald Wilkinson, sister-in-law Karen Wilkinson Brown.  He is survived by his wife, Nancy Ibarra, their three children and their families: Joshua Ibarra, his wife Maddy and their daughters, Annabelle and Adeline Ray; his son Jeremy Ibarra, and granddog, Tex Ibarra; and his daughter Julianne Hedrick, her husband Kris and their son Aiden. In addition, he is survived by his siblings, Debbie (Don) Luna and George (Renee) Ibarra. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. 

Thank you to all the doctors, nurses, therapists, friends, and family who helped Ray along the way with his fight. We invite you to join us at Johnson County Funeral Chapel & Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66210 for his Visitation on Thursday, October 19th from 5-7PM, and his Memorial Service Friday, October 20th at 10AM. 

Please join us to celebrate Ray’s life at Coach’s Bar and Grill 6700 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS 66211 at 11:30 AM following the service, heavy hors d'oeuvres will be provided.