Raymond L. Aikeley

Raymond L. Aikeley, 85, of Swissdale peacefully passed away on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at Haven Place where he had been a resident since January of 2021.

Ray was born on November 7, 1936 to Leroy and Myrtle (Kepler) Aikeley. He grew up in North Bend and graduated from Renovo High School in 1957.

After Ray served as an E-4 Specialist in the Army, he returned to Piper Aircraft until closing and then went to Hammermill until it left Lock Haven. He finally retired a few years later from the Army Corps of Engineers.

On April 9, 1999, he married the former Ferne Roller. In addition to his wife, and companion Biscuit, he is survived by his children, Marchal Rote (Brad) of Mill Hall, Kerry Aikeley (Patti) of Mill Hall and seven step children, Curtis Metzger (DeDe) of Montoursville, Guy Metzger of W. Virginia, Todd Metzger (Bonnie) of Montoursville, Harold (Duke) Pennycoff (Hope) of Cogan Station, Jeff Pennycoff (Tonja) of Jersey Shore, Jennifer Koch (Steve) of Avis and Yvonne Campana of Cammal. Ray is also survived by his first wife of 24 years, Anita Huff Aikeley (Ron Kleese), 35 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Luella Myers (Bob), Ruth Myers (Eddie), Rose Schroat (George), and Allen Aikeley (Mabel).

Ray loved to collect things and had more tools than Lowe’s. He enjoyed dressing up and going to sign the book at the American Legion. He loved camping, long dirt rides, hunting and fishing, but mostly just spending time at camp with his son Kerry and grandson Christopher. He was kind, generous to a fault and always had a story to tell. He was never hard to find—talking at Wal-Mart, having coffee in town or mowing the grass. Maybe the mowing part was just to ride the granddaughters Kalah and Kenzie around the yard. He was a man who kept his emotions close to the vest, but you always knew you were loved. He touched the lives of many and his knack for making people laugh will be missed.

Ray’s celebration of life will be held on Monday, August 15, 2022 at 3 p.m. at Helt Funeral Chapel, 232 Hogan Blvd., Mill Hall with Pastor Jeffrey Pennycoff officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Interment will be private.

Online condolences can be sent to MaxwellHelt.com.