Valia G. D’Alfonso Ray; entered into rest at Monongahela Valley Hospital on Dec. 15; 2011; having enjoyed a long life of 97 years. She was born Nov. 23; 1914; in Monessen; the daughter of Italian immigrants; Esaia and Allesandrina Matozzi D’Alfonso. She was a lifelong resident of Monessen; had graduated from Monessen High School in 1933; and retired from the former Friedlands and G.C. Murphy stores in Monessen. Valia was a member of the Epiphany of Our Lord Catholic Church of Monessen and one of the original starting members of the Italian American Heritage Society. She was an avid card player and accomplished seamstress. In spite of her blindness in later years; she maintained her bright spirit and her memory never faltered as she enjoyed her family and friends. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter and son-in-law; Karen and James Lewitsky; of Monessen; beloved grandson; James M. Stanger Jr.; and his wife; Carmen; of Deerfield Beach; Fla.; her namesake great-granddaughter; Alia Rayanna Stanger; her favorite nieces; Ilani D’Alfonso; of Dedham; Mass.; Rita Zange; of Augusta; Ga.; and Nancy Matz; of El Cerito; Calif.; special nephew; Miles Dale Kratochvil; of Charleston; Ala. She was preceded in death by her husband; Lewis Raymond Ray in 1961; brothers; Jeno and Samuel D’Alfonso; and sisters; Leona Kratochvil; Josephine Powlowsky; and Fanny D’Alfonso. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the RHOME FUNERAL HOME INC.; Family Owned and Operated as a Member of the Golden Rule; 1209 Grand Blvd.; Monessen; where friends will be welcomed on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. A blessing service will be held on Monday at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at the Epiphany of Our Lord Roman Catholic of Monessen with Father David J. Nazimek officiating. Interment will follow at Belle Vernon Cemetery.