Mary O. Gray, 86, of Ashland, passed away unexpectedly Thursday morning, June 8, 2017 at Kingston of Ashland.
She was born May 19, 1931 in Millersburg, Ohio and was the daughter of the late Frank & Bertha May (King) Ralston.
She was employed at the F.E. Myers Company for over 25 years retiring in 1988, and prior to that Mary and her husband, Emerson, owned and operated Grays Grocery in Hayesville in the 1950’s to the early 1960’s.
Mary attended the Ashland Dickey Church of the Brethren. She was a member of the American Legion, Harry Higgins Post 88 Auxiliary, VFW Post 1067 Auxiliary, Ashland Eagles 2178, and the Goldwings Chapter V.
She enjoyed playing Bingo, card games, dancing to the music of the Marshall Law Band, spending time with her family and her friends.
On December 8, 1947 she was married to Emerson P. Gray who preceded her in death on March 22, 2011. She is survived by three children, Doug (Betsy) Gray of Ashland, Patricia (Steve) Hager of Ashland and Rhonda (David) Miller of Hayesville; 6 grandchildren, Guy Gault, Clint Gault (Tabitha), Brandon Gray, Samantha (Brett) Bursley, Bryant Miller (Jess Broadway), and Megan Miller; 4 great grandchildren, Geoffrey (Dana) Gault, Emerson Gault, Micah Gault and Cody Gault; 2 great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
May was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Emerson P. Gray, a son Emerson Perry Gray Jr, a daughter, Suzanne Gray, her brother and sister-in-law, Harry & Ethel Ralston, and her sisters, Inez Demoss, Twila Brinkerhoff and Betty Jeandervin.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday June 24, 2017 at 11:00 p.m. at the Ashland Dickey Church of the Brethren with Pastor Tom Zuercher officiating. The family will greet friends following the service at a reception in the fellowship hall of the church until 1:00 p.m. Private family committal services will be held at a later date.
The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch DR., Ashland, Ohio 44805 or to the American Legion Post #88, 1388 Claremont Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805 or to the Ashland Dickey Church of the Brethren, 1509 Twp. Rd. 655, Ashland, Ohio 44805
For those not able to attend online expressions of sympathy may be made to the family by visiting denbowfh.com
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