IN MEMORIAM

EXPANDED EULOGIES

Ray and Denice Bina

Services were Saturday at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, Pilsen, for Raymond Bina, 71, and Denice Bina, 65, whose earthy lives came to a tragic end July 17.

Raymond, born in Marion, was a farmer to the core. Despite the devastating loss of his farm, he never lost his love of the land or loyalty to it. He often did not have much to say but offered a greater gift — the gift of presence — and sometimes a little humor.

Denice, also born in Marion, loved giving of herself to others. Whether offering a prayer, a decorated cake, or a word of encouragement, she was fiercely passionate and wanted others to live fully alive. She loved her job as a postal clerk because it gave her countless opportunities to encounter others.

Ray and Denice were married in August of 1974 and lived this vocation with generosity, sacrifice, and an openness to the real challenges of every day. These 47 years bore much fruit, the most cherished being that of their nine children. Material possessions were never a priority, they desired nothing other than to be together as a family, playing and celebrating together.

There was always enough and always room for one more, and because of this, many consider themselves a part of the family.

They are survived by their children, Ramie (and husband Jake) Samour, Nichole Bina, Ryan (and wife Kelly) Bina, Charles (and wife Kristen) Bina, James (and wife Olivia) Bina, Andrew (and wife Molly) Bina, Amanda Bina, Aaron (and wife Tara Ellerman) Bina, Danae (and wife Josey Weaver) Bina; and 12 grandchildren, and two more arriving in October.

Raymond is also survived by his siblings, Laverne (and wife Harriet) Bina, Martin (and wife Sandy) Bina, Dean (and wife Pat) Bina, Mary (and husband John) Roniger, Janie Johnson, Connie (and husband Wayne) Poppe, Rose Bina, Alan (and wife Sue) Bina, and Julie (and husband Russ) Kerbs.

Denice is survived by her mother, Pearl Helmer, and brothers, Dennis (and wife Marsha) Helmer, Doug Helmer, Darin (and wife Jan) Helmer, and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins on both sides.

Welcoming them from their earthly life are Raymond’s parents Ernest and Agnes Bina; brothers Lester Bina and Marion Bina; brothers-in-law Gene Johnson and Greg Trapp; and Denice’s father, Ezra Helmer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with the Raymond and Denice Bina Memorial Fund and the Chaplain Kapaun Legacy Fund.

Written stories and memories are requested from the family and can be sent to raydenicebina@gmail.com.

Services were in care of Downing and Lahey East Mortuary.

Tributes may be shared online at: www.dlwichita.com.