Jean Gray

Jean A. Gray, 75, of Chillicothe, passed away to be with her Lord and Savior, on Monday afternoon, May 4, 2009. She had been hospitalized at Grant Hospital for several days. "His will be done." Jean was born July 13, 1933, in Chillicothe, the daughter of Garnet and Samuel P. Mowrey. On November 4, 1948, she married William W. Gray, who survives. Jean established a legacy of community service and volunteerism. A devoted mother and wife, she was involved in many volunteer endeavors to help the community. Jean was a PTO president, Cub Scout leader, ran a branch of the public library from her home and arranged for swimming lessons to be taught in the community of Mooresville. She also was on the charter committee to form the Harrison Township volunteer fire department and worked many years as a Hospital Guild volunteer. Her passion to help others led to her work with the Head Start program when it began in Ross County in the 1960's. She then moved on to Pioneer School where she worked from 1973-1990 and did many tasks from driving the students to school, driving a bus and working as a teacher's aid in the classroom. She later served on the Ross County Board of MRDD from 1997-2004. While at Pioneer School, she was also very involved in the Special Olympics by working with the athletes and going to the Olympic events. Mrs. Gray also had a love for the Ross County Fair. She was the first woman to serve on the Ross County Agricultural Society Board and became the first woman to serve as board president. She was very proud of her work with the fair and continued to work on the fair even through her recent illness. In later years, Jean was very involved with the Good Samaritan Food Network of Ross County. She volunteered her time at the food bank and also served on the board of directors. A woman who loved to cook, Jean took great pleasure in preparing meals for holidays and special occasions. She also ran a catering business for a number of years in the Chillicothe area. Jean Gray was a member of the Charleston Church of the Brethren and attended the church for more than 60 years. Over that time she often hosted pastors that stayed in her home while they visited Charleston for revivals and special services. She also organized and taught several Bible schools. Jean was immensely proud of her family. In addition to Bill, her husband of 61 years, surviving are sons and daughters-in-law Steven and Holly Gray; Philip and Dianna Gray; Keith and Lisa Gray; and Kevin and Peggy Gray, all living in Ross County. Jean has one sister, Sharon K. Ewart, who lives in Pataskala and a niece Lisa Tuttle of Reynoldsburg. Her grandchildren are Daniel (Alisha), Jacob, Anna, Emily, Megan and Kaleb Gray. Jean also had two great-grandchildren, Ethan and Brandon, the sons of Dan and Alisha. She was predeceased by grandson Aron Gray and nephew Chuck Ewart. Jean had several nieces and nephews on Bill's side of the family and many cousins on her side of the family. Jean Gray, a woman full of love and devotion, will lie in rest at the Ross County Fairgrounds Multi-purpose Building Friday where friends may call from 4-8pm. Her funeral service will be held at 10am Saturday, May 9, in the HALLER FUNERAL HOME with her great friend and Pastor Mel Smith conducting the service. Graveside service will follow in the cemetery at her beloved Charleston Church. Those wishing to make contributions may make their donations to the Good Samaritan Food Bank, Pioneer School or the Charleston Church of the Brethren.
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