Marion
Marion A. Gray
Marion A. Gray quietly passed away Thursday, July 25, 2019 in Kalamazoo.
She was born January 2, 1926 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Ralph and Marguerite Ritsema. She attended the Washington Square Schools and graduated from Kalamazoo Central H.S. in 1944. She married Donald T. Gray on November 1, 1946, who preceded her in death in 2001.
She had an active life working as a medical assistant for several area physicians and spent much of her time with community activities such as president of the Liberty Street PTA, founder of the Liberty Street 4-H club and a long standing member of the Alamo Community Congregational Church.
She loved square dancing and playing cards especially Pinochle. She had a lifelong passion for music starting in her childhood and she passed that along to her children and grandchildren as well. Her life was devoted to faith, family and friends.
She is survived by her children, Sharon Permenter of Kalamazoo, Michael (Denise) Gray of Kalamazoo, Douglas ( Gail) Gray of Farmington Hills, Denise (Bill) Coe of Kalamazoo and Dale Gray of Kalamazoo; very special nephew, Gerald LeMahieu of Kalamazoo; 5 grandchildren, Amy (Joel) Bosscher, Jarrod Permenter, Kerra & Kyleen Gray and Brian (Kristen) Gray and 2 great-grandchildren, Ella Osborne and Boston Gray.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and her siblings Madelyn Pittman and Duane Ritsema.
In accordance with her wishes cremation has taken place.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M., Sunday, August 11, 2019 at the Kiva Auditorium at Friendship Village.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Friendship Village or Alamo Community Congregational Church.
Messages of condolence may be made at
www.winkelfuneralhome.com
.
Offer Condolence for the family of Marion A. Gray
Condolence Messages
Diane and John Glessner
July 26, 2019 at 9:09 pm
Dear Sharon and family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. Praying for you at this difficult time. May God’s peace be yours✝️
With love, John & Diane
Reply
Bob and Jill Wilke
July 27, 2019 at 4:04 pm
Doug and family,
Jill and I were so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. We didn’t have the chance to see her that often, but it was always a fun time when we did.
We will remember her great smile and quiet way. I’m sure that she may have been a bit less quiet around those closest to her, providing you with many fond memories.
May the Lord sustain you and always keep you in the palm of his hand.
Reply
Lois Plantefaber
July 28, 2019 at 8:16 am
Marion lived on the same hall as my mom, Rita Culver, who died two weeks ago. Marion had the most gorgeous white hair, always had a smile on her face and was the kindest person ever. Our sincere condolences to the family.
Reply
Doug and Judy Scheppelman
July 28, 2019 at 9:19 am
Doug,
We were sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Doug and I have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Reply
Terry & Char Bonnell
July 30, 2019 at 9:03 pm
To Marion’s family,
I consider Marion a very special ‘Senior Saint” and will always treasure the joyful visits I had with her. She had much wisdom and always gave God the glory for her many blessings. Heaven is celebrating as she is welcomed Home. Prayers to the family during this difficult time of loss.
Reply
Nancy (Rector) Zeluff
August 11, 2019 at 5:54 pm
I am sorry for the loss of Marion. I remember her at the Alamo Church while growing up. She was always willing to help with any event that the Church had. I also remember her in the church choir. She was always ready for a hug and always had a big smile on her face. Prayers to all the family at this difficult time. Nancy
Reply
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She was born January 2, 1926 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Ralph and Marguerite Ritsema. She attended the Washington Square Schools and graduated from Kalamazoo Central H.S. in 1944. She married Donald T. Gray on November 1, 1946, who preceded her in death in 2001.
She had an active life working as a medical assistant for several area physicians and spent much of her time with community activities such as president of the Liberty Street PTA, founder of the Liberty Street 4-H club and a long standing member of the Alamo Community Congregational Church.
She loved square dancing and playing cards especially Pinochle. She had a lifelong passion for music starting in her childhood and she passed that along to her children and grandchildren as well. Her life was devoted to faith, family and friends.
She is survived by her children, Sharon Permenter of Kalamazoo, Michael (Denise) Gray of Kalamazoo, Douglas ( Gail) Gray of Farmington Hills, Denise (Bill) Coe of Kalamazoo and Dale Gray of Kalamazoo; very special nephew, Gerald LeMahieu of Kalamazoo; 5 grandchildren, Amy (Joel) Bosscher, Jarrod Permenter, Kerra & Kyleen Gray and Brian (Kristen) Gray and 2 great-grandchildren, Ella Osborne and Boston Gray.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and her siblings Madelyn Pittman and Duane Ritsema.
In accordance with her wishes cremation has taken place.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M., Sunday, August 11, 2019 at the Kiva Auditorium at Friendship Village.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Friendship Village or Alamo Community Congregational Church.
Messages of condolence may be made at
www.winkelfuneralhome.com
.
Offer Condolence for the family of Marion A. Gray
Condolence Messages
Diane and John Glessner
July 26, 2019 at 9:09 pm
Dear Sharon and family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. Praying for you at this difficult time. May God’s peace be yours✝️
With love, John & Diane
Reply
Bob and Jill Wilke
July 27, 2019 at 4:04 pm
Doug and family,
Jill and I were so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. We didn’t have the chance to see her that often, but it was always a fun time when we did.
We will remember her great smile and quiet way. I’m sure that she may have been a bit less quiet around those closest to her, providing you with many fond memories.
May the Lord sustain you and always keep you in the palm of his hand.
Reply
Lois Plantefaber
July 28, 2019 at 8:16 am
Marion lived on the same hall as my mom, Rita Culver, who died two weeks ago. Marion had the most gorgeous white hair, always had a smile on her face and was the kindest person ever. Our sincere condolences to the family.
Reply
Doug and Judy Scheppelman
July 28, 2019 at 9:19 am
Doug,
We were sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Doug and I have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Reply
Terry & Char Bonnell
July 30, 2019 at 9:03 pm
To Marion’s family,
I consider Marion a very special ‘Senior Saint” and will always treasure the joyful visits I had with her. She had much wisdom and always gave God the glory for her many blessings. Heaven is celebrating as she is welcomed Home. Prayers to the family during this difficult time of loss.
Reply
Nancy (Rector) Zeluff
August 11, 2019 at 5:54 pm
I am sorry for the loss of Marion. I remember her at the Alamo Church while growing up. She was always willing to help with any event that the Church had. I also remember her in the church choir. She was always ready for a hug and always had a big smile on her face. Prayers to all the family at this difficult time. Nancy
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked
*
Comment
*
Name
*
*
Δ
Obituary Notification Service
Enter your email address if you would like to be notified when a new obituary notice is posted:
Search Obituaries
How do I send a condolence
At the bottom of this page, you will find a condolence form. You will need to fill out some basic information prior to typing your message. (We will not share your e-mail address with anyone) Once you are finished, simply click the submit condolence button. The condolence will be approved before it is published to the web site.
Share This Obituary
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