Frances H. Gray

Frances H. Gray, 91, Perry, KS, died April 15, 2015, at Saint Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City. She was born September 19, 1923, in Rocky Ford, CO, the daughter of Clarence LeRoy Herring and Susan Frances Leap.

She grew up in Rocky Ford, joined the WAVES, serving as Chief Storekeeper Disbursing until discharged in 1946. She attended Barnes School of Commerce in Denver, and worked as a bookkeeper. She was a Girl Scout leader in Salina, KS. Her interests included square dancing and genealogy. Everyone loved her sense of humor. She was an avid Royals fan, she enjoyed Big 12 basketball especially KU basketball. She also enjoyed watching her grandchildren playing sports.

She married Melville W. Gray on December 18, 1949, at the home of her mother in Rocky Ford. They were married for nearly 62 years. She is survived by three children, Susan L. Kramer (Thomas), Independence, MO, Steven M. Gray (Karen), Hoyt, KS, and Thomas N. Page (Pati), Grand Prairie, TX; one brother, Roy Herring, Fullerton, CA; six grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren, all of whom affectionately knew her as “Gran-Fran.” She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and two sisters, Marian Donlin and June Smedema.

A private memorial service is planned.

Memorial contributions can be made to Saint Luke’s Hospice House in Care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, Lawrence, KS.