Remembrance of the Life of Loretto Co-member the Rev. Ray Ensman

Loretto Co-member the Rev. Ray Ensman. Ray died Nov. 25, 2023, in Port Clinton, Ohio. A senior priest of the Catholic Diocese of Toledo, Ohio, he was 84. Ray became a Loretto Co-member Oct. 23, 1981. He was a dear friend particularly of Evelyn Houlihan and Jane Kosters.  

His obituary, courtesy of the Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home and Crematory, Port Clinton, follows:

Reverend Raymond Earl Ensman, 84, of Port Clinton, Ohio, Senior Status Priest of the Diocese of Toledo, Ohio entered eternal life on Nov. 25, 2023, at Magruder Hospital, Port Clinton. Born at home in Miller City, Putnam County, Ohio, on Jan. 19, 1939, to Eugene Arthur and Eva (Apple) Ensman. He was a son of Holy Family Catholic Church, North Baltimore, Ohio. He graduated in 1957 from Van Buren Local High School and attended Bowling Green State University for one year studying major physics, math and chemistry. Following his calling to join the priesthood, he entered St. Mary’s College Seminary in Kentucky from 1958-1962, earning a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. He then went to Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Cincinnati, earning a master’s degree in theology. During that time, he also studied at Xavier University in Cincinnati, earning a master’s degree in education and mathematics.

He was ordained a priest on May 28, 1966, at Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo by Most Reverend George J. Rehring, Bishop of Toledo. His first assignment was Associate Pastor at Little Flower Catholic Church in Toledo from 1966-1969. Then became the Secretary to Bishop John Donovan and Vice Chancellor for the Toledo Diocese from 1970-1973. From 1973-1977 he taught religion at Lima Central Catholic School in Lima, Ohio. During the summers of 1972 through 1976, he went to Boston College and received his master’s in religious education. From 1977-1982 he taught at Holy Spirit-High School Seminary in Toledo. From 1982-1987 he was appointed Vicar for Priests. The following year 1987-1988 he took a sabbatical. From 1988-1992 he was the Pastor at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tiffin, and in 1992 he was appointed Pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Port Clinton where he served until his retirement in 2006.

Father Ray was a member of the National Association of Church Administrators; was the Diocesan Director of Marriage Encounter; member of the Diocesan Priests Council; was a 4th degree Knight and Chaplain of the Port Clinton Knights of Columbus; an associate member of the Sisters of Loretto in Kentucky, and a member of the Port Clinton Kiwanis Club.

His many interests included flower and vegetable gardening, canning, crocheting blue jean rugs, Navaho weaving, hunting, fishing, snow skiing in Colorado, camping, traveling, building bird houses, planting fruit trees, beekeeping, nature interests, and most importantly, spending time with his family and fellow priests.

Survivors include his brother, Bob (Judy) Ensman, Bloomington, Ind.; sisters, Ann Long, Los Angeles, and Sue Nocella (Jerry Sanders), French Lick, Ind.; seven nieces and nephews; eleven great nieces and nephews; special friends, Fr. Phil Feltman, Sr. Jane Fisher, and Sr. Peg Bishop whose unwavering love and support during these past few years was deeply appreciated. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a niece.

Father Ray will be remembered as a gentle, holy, and humble priest. He was soft spoken, a warm and loyal friend, and compassionate to all.

The funeral Mass was celebrated by Rev. Daniel E. Thomas, Bishop of Toledo, Nov. 28 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Port Clinton, with visitation earlier that same day and the day before. Burial was at New Maplewood Cemetery in North Baltimore, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Religious Education.

May Ray rest in peace.