Clara Gray

Clara B. Gray, 86, of McPherson, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 9, 2013, at Angel Arms, McPherson. She had worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as an operator and also in the business office for a total of 38 years.

She was born on July 11, 1926, in McPherson, KS, the daughter of George Arthur and Miranda Leah (Gray) Besecker. Clara graduated from McPherson High School in the class of 1944. On April 4, 1947, she was united in marriage to Robert S. Gray in Hutchinson, KS. He preceded her in death on January 9, 1999.

Clara was a member of the First Christian Church, V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary, Communications Workers of American, Business and Professional Women's Club, Telephone Pioneers of American, and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.

Survivors include: step-son, Robert J. Gray of Moundridge, KS; two step-grandchildren, Brian Gray and wife, Debbie, of Shawnee, KS and Kristy Johnson and husband, Zane, of Wichita, KS; five step-great-grandchildren; cousins, June Anderson of McPherson, KS, Bud Besecker and wife, Pearl, of McPherson, KS, and Edith Young of McPherson, KS; and special friends, Gayle Gee, Barbara Matz, Ann Parks, and Kathy Allison.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, half-brother, Dana Earl Dow, and sister-in-law, Verna Roberts.

The funeral service will be held 2:00 PM, Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at the First Christian Church with Rev. Lynn Scott officiating. The casket will open from 12:30 PM until service time on Wednesday at the church. Burial will take place following the service at McPherson Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to the First Christian Church in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Clara Gray please visit our Sympathy Store.