Betty D. Gray, age 89, of Ismay, MT passed away peacefully with her husband Bob by her side on July 15, 2020 at her home.
Betty was born on April 20, 1931 to Archie and Dora Bruce in Douglas, WY. Betty attended school in Douglas, and after graduating from Douglas High School, she majored in Elementary Education at the University of Wyoming at Laramie. She chose to teach intermediate grades as her specialty. Betty taught the 5th grade for four years and the 6th grade in Glendo, WY.
Betty married the love of her life Bob Gray in 1952 at Orin, WY. Together they ranched with Bob’s parents for two years, and then in 1956 they moved to Montana to run the Montana ranch which they eventually came to own. Together they raised their three sons, Robert, Richard and Roscoe along with Red Angus cross cattle, sheep and winter wheat. Betty always had a longtime interest in historical things and took pride that her and Bob lived on the old Shumaker Ranch that the Gray family had bought in 1952. She was also very proud that she was involved with the restoration of the old Ismay Presbyterian Church building, which has been in use since 1914. She hoped to make it a historical building site while still using it for church services weekly.
Betty was involved in many organizations and a part of many boards. She was a member of and served as president for the Fallon Creek Cowbelles, but also was active in the Southeastern Montana Cowbelles and the American National Cowbelles. Her slogan during her tenure as president of Montana State Cowbelles, was “My Brand is Beef.” She particularly enjoyed working on the State Scholarship and Beef Education committees and served as Beef Education Advisor and Director-at-Large on the state board. She was a member of the Royal Neighbors of America, the Range Rider Reps and the Montana Woolgrowers Women Association. She was also a longtime member of the Ismay Community Church where she served as vice president.
She loved spending time in her garden and taking care of her yard. She had many interests and hobbies, including reading, traveling, collecting antiques, learning about history, and especially cooking.
She is survived by her husband Bob; sons, Robert(Leslie)Gray of Plevna, Richard(Karen)Gray of Ismay; daughter-in-law, Michele Gray of Dickinson; grandchildren, Scotti(Kevin) Moser, Brandi Gray, Rob (Sarah) Gray, Medori (McCahen) Schweitzer, Jordan Gray, Borden Gray, Elizabeth (Dax) Muri, Katie (Michael) Bost, Kelly (James) Rieger, and Allan “AJ” Gray; granddaughter in-law Jessica (Rhodes) Roberts; great grandchildren, Sawyer, Hayes, Bella, MJ, Leo, Caiden, Ella, Tailey, Ava, Elloree, Leeona, Wyatt, Huntley, Owen and a number of nephews and nieces.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Leona Niesson and Kay Bruce; son, Roscoe Gray; grandson, Yance Tell Gray; great grandsons, Grayson Rieger and Orin Muri.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Son’s Funeral Home in Miles City. A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 20, 2020 at 10:00 at the Ismay Community Church in Ismay, MT. Interment will be held at the Gray family ranch. Should friends desire condolences can be made to the family by visiting stevensonandsons.com. Memorials can be made to Ismay Community Church.
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Sunday July 19, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
After Funeral Service
Monday July 20, 2020
Gray Family Cemetery
Ismay, Montana 59336
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Sunday July 19, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
After Funeral Service
Monday July 20, 2020
Gray Family Cemetery
Ismay, Montana 59336
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Sherry Oster says
Thoughts and prayers to all of Betty’s family! What a treasure she was! I will always remember her unending kindness!
Holly Griebel-Askin Orr says
Love and prayers for the whole family. I’m so sorry for all your loss. Holly 🙏❤️
Mollie M Phipps says
To all of you. May the peace of the Lord be with you all. Love and Hugs to you!
Jane Viall says
Oh . . . So sad . . . I know it is a triumph for her, walking into the heaven God promised her. It is such a heavy load for each of you in the Gray family (my mom called us the colored people). So much loss in such a short time. I want to heal your hearts, but only God can . . . and He WILL.
Kariann Shumaker says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Loved this wonderful lady. The entire family was such a wonderful part of my childhood
James Arneson says
My heart goes out to the entire Gray family for your loss. I can’t count the times I was blessed to sit in Betty and Bobs house at the ranch and visit over a cup of coffee. My God comfort you now and always. Bob and Betty are some of the kindest and genuine family I have known my entire life. I was lucky to be raised by The Linnell family who were neighbors to them. Time passes us way too fast.
Doug Benge says
Bob Sr., Bob Jr., Rich and all family:
Condolences on Betty’s passing. I always thought she was the kindest, gentlest, most appreciative person. Truly a grand lady! She and all of the family were very special and loyal clients over the years, and more importantly great friends. She will be missed. Best wishes to all.
John & Nikki Brown says
Our sincere sympathies.
John and Nikki Brown
Cindy and Dale Berg says
Our hearts go out to all the Gray families at this time! Thoughts and prayers are with you all .
TAMMIE NEILL says
So sorry for your loss Gray family. I will be sending you prayers and hugs. Loved that great lady. She gave the best hugs.
Tammie (Holtz) Neill
Kay Collins says
Rich and Karen
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers for God to heal your heart. Hold on to the good memories.
Jerry & Kay Collins
Lavonne Phalen says
My heart is full of sorrow. How I will miss this dear friend and mentor. I cherish the many times and ways Betty influenced and touched my life with her love and humor. But the greatest mission of her life was being Bob’s partner and sweetheart. I can still her her gentle admonition, “Now Bob…” I miss her so much today but I rejoice for her healing and freedom after these recent years of struggle. My prayers are with you Bob and all of the Gray family that she loved so much.
Denise Harvey says
I never had the pleasure to meet this wonderful lady but my father, Ruben Oberlander, always spoke of Bob and Betty with great admiration. I have had the blessing to know her granddaughter, Beth and her precious great grandson, Orin and her compassionate sweet spirit is reflected in both of them.
What a joyous reunion but I know she will be missed deeply by those here on earth.
God Bless,
Diana R. Elwood says
So sorry to hear of Betty’s passing, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Ann and Ron Roberts says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I’m so glad to have met Betty years ago when we moved to Locate. She was amazing! Take care,
Larry and Diann Scarrott says
Uncle Bob, Bobby, Ritch and families. We are so sorry we can’t be there for Aunt Betty’s service. Aunt Betty was very precious and I so remember the times we could be together. Especially when Mom was still alive and all the sisters were together. I wish I could have visited more. All our prayers go out to you now. Love you
Mary Alice Dawes Murnion says
Betty and her family lived up the street from the Dawes family in Douglas, Wyoming. I always admired Betty because she was such a beautiful, kind woman, some one for a younger girl to look up to. I had the chance to run into her in Miles City with her Mom a few times and it was always so good to see her, she never changed and was always the same Betty wherever she was, never put on any Aires. My sympathy to you Bob and all the family, I am sure you will miss her very much. Rest In Peace Betty.
Pat and Monte Herzog says
The Gray Families; So very sorry for your loss..I will always remember ❤ Betty’s words of wisdom.. she was such an inspiration too many.. heaven has gained a wonderful Angel 😇.. she’s at peace now.. but will forever be remembered .. our love and prayers 🙏 to all of you..Monte and Pat Herzog
Peggie and Chuck Scarrott says
Uncle Bob, Bobby, Ritch and families. We were so sorry to hear of Aunt Betty’s passing. How happy she must be to be in the presence of Jesus. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time, especially in light of the recent passing of other family members. God bless,
Peggie and Chuck Scarrott
Bill & Cindia Ellis says
So sorry to hear of Betty’s passing, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Bob and Connie Phalen says
Sorry to here about Betty, she and Helen Graham were like second mothers to me you never wanted to disapoint them it will be hard to be with out her for sure! God Bless you all!
Bill and Rita Hanley and Laura Bruha says
Our thoughts and prayers to all you. Such a beautiful lady and steward of the ranching way of life! She has cetainly earned her wings to Heaven!
Jerry & Dianne Shumaker says
We were saddened to hear of Betty’s passing. They Grey family has really had too many sad occasions this year. We have so many fond memories of many many years being neighbors to this wonderful lady. Our prayers are with your whole family!
Kathi (Rooney) Pfeifle says
I am so sorry for your loss, Bob and family. Betty was one of the sweetest ladies I have ever met. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Paige O'Connor Garcia says
What an amazing lady! My thoughts and prayers go out the Gray family!
Deb & Bob Hagemeister says
We are so sorry for your loss. She was such a treasure! I enjoyed visiting with Betty every time we would meet somewhere. Remember all the great memories! Our thoughts and prayers are with the families!
Rick and Dee Abbott says
Rich & Karen and Betty’s family members: We are very sorry for your loss. Hold strong to your memories. We pray that God gives you comfort, peace and solace.
Lynette O’CONNOR says
So sorry to hear! Just read the obituary! Our thoughts and prayers and deepest condolences! Dan and Lynette
Casey & Cindy Phalen says
Thinking of you all. I really enjoyed Betty And her wonderful smile. She was always happy to see ya. She will be missed.
Vickie Gunderson says
I am so sorry to hear of Betty’s passing..she was such a kind and caring lady. My thoughts and prayers to Bob and all the family.
Pastor Steve and Debbie May says
Oh. Bob we are so sad to hear about Betty’s passing. What a hole she leaves in your lives. She was such a precious lady, and we’re blessed to have known her. What joy for Betty to be in the presence of her Savior with a whole mind. I know Betty is rejoicing being with Ross, Yance,Orin and Grayson. Please know we’re praying for you … that the Lord would bring relief to you and the rest of the family.