Raymond Armas Hautala

FAIRFAX, Va. - Raymond Armas Hautala, born Nov. 20, 1934, in Ironwood, Michigan, died peacefully on Dec. 31, 2023, in Fairfax, Virginia.

Ray joined the U.S. Air Force after high school and served four years as a radio operator aboard various aircraft, including the B-29 and cargo transports. Upon discharge, he worked briefly in the iron ore mines in Ironwood before earning an associate degree from Gogebic Community College and a bachelor's degree in economics from Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin.

Ray's career as an auditor with the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) took him from Chicago to the Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island, Illinois, and, in 1972, to Washington, D.C., where he remained until he retired. He then enjoyed several years on Capitol Hill as an investigator within the House Appropriations Committee (Defense).

Ray was an avid golfer and enjoyed Friday night poker with his buddies. His many colleagues and friends appreciated his humor and his love of a good debate.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mary Ann; two daughters, Jacqueline Rae Class and Loriann Schumacher (David); and three grandsons, Ryan David Class (Julia), Andrew Michael Schumacher (Presley), and Kyle Raymond Schumacher (Natasha).

His family wishes him godspeed as he again lifts "into the wild blue yonder."

A memorial service was held on Friday, Jan. 5, at 11:45 a.m. at Adams-Green Funeral Home, 721 Elden St., in Herndon, Virginia.