Kathleen R Gray

Kathleen (Kathy) R. Gray, 94, passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2017, from natural causes at The Springs in Missoula. Kathleen was born on Jan. 28, 1923, in Williston, North Dakota, to Winifred George (Jack) and Elizabeth Kathleen Welch.

Kathleen was joined later by sister Janet and brother Bill as the Welch family worked and grew their way across Montana during the Great Depression. Dam building at Maroney near Great Falls to Kerr Dam at Polson where the family settled for good.

Kathleen attended and graduated Polson High School, and attended College at Billings. She returned to Polson to marry Elmer W. Gray, their world turned upside down on Dec 7, 1941. Shortly afterward the newlyweds left Polson and traveled east to Akron, Ohio to work in the Defense Plants, sixteen hour shifts six days a week for a year. Returning to Polson where Dad enlisted in the Seabees, which led to the South Pacific for two years building airfields on Tinian Island preparing for the Invasion of Japan. Mom (Kathleen) remained home in Polson and waiting for the arrival of their first born, Donald Jack Gray who did not survive a week. Tragic news for Dad in the South Pacific, like so many far from home.

At War’s end they reunited to build a life together which lasted sixty years. The GI Bill provided for a college education for Dad and he became a successful chiropractor and civic leader in Missoula. Mom was actively engaged in many civic activities including Electa Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, Missoula Soroptomist International, Meals on Wheels, Missoula Cancer Society, Radio Reading Service and many other worthy causes.

Staunch Republicans, they were lifelong friends with Dick and Marge Shoup and worked tirelessly to help get Dick elected to Congress. Dick, Marge, Kathy and Elmer traveled to many wonderful winter destinations for more than a decade until time caught up with Dick and Elmer.

After Dad died in 2002, Mom continued her active work in Eastern Star including Grand Chapter and substituting for any open Station for small Chapters all around Western Montana, travelling with her friends Maxine and Ken McMillan once or more a week until just a year or two ago. Mom’s memory was amazing and she rarely if ever needed prompting! Friday night Club was always special to her and the weekly dining out with special friends was always a highlight of the week.

In mom’s later years she enjoyed and made many friends at the Women’s Club and the ladies of the early morning water aerobics! They meant everything to her and their kindness was treasured.

Mom lived a life of service to the community, a faithful wife, a supportive mother to me. Missoula is a better place because of her decades of kindness, caring, and generosity. She will be missed by her surviving family and many friends.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her infant son Donald Jack Gray, sister Janet, brother Bill, parents Jack and Elizabeth Welch, and husband Dr. Elmer W. Gray.

Kathleen is survived by her son Dr. David C. Gray and Rita of Missoula,

Granddaughter Laura Gray of Seattle, Grandsons David V. Gray and Chris, Dr. Corey W. Gray and Violet of Missoula. Great Grandchildren Evelyn, Gabriel and Mace, all of Missoula and all very special to GeeGee! Additional surviving family includes nieces Janice, Lynn, Jackie, nephew Bill and distant relatives in the Dakotas and North Carolina.

Mom had a favorite quote which she wanted included here “Some people try to turn back the odometer, not me! I want people to know why I look the way I do. I have traveled a very long way and some of the roads were not paved”.

Services are at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 2, at First Presbyterian Church.

In closing Mom wishes to thank the caring providers at St. Patrick Hospital, Partners in Home Care, Case Management Caregiving Nurses, Hospice, staff and management of the Springs, and her many friends for making her last days less a burden. The family is grateful as well. In memory of Kathleen, help another person, perform an act of kindness every day and the world will be a better place because of her — and you.