Gray, Della H. (1914-2008)

GRAY, HERLIG, NIELSEN, MORTENSEN, JUHL

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 7/13/2008 at 22:36:42

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, July 11, 2008

Della H. Gray, 93, of Marcus, died Monday, July 7, 2008, at University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City.

Della Herlig Gray was born Nov. 28, 1914. in Plymouth County, the daughter of Christian Jepson and Mary Nielsen (Mortensen) Juhl. She was baptized and confirmed in the Nazareth Church in Marcus (now Faith Lutheran Church). Della attended country school near her home and later graduated from Marcus High School in 1931. Della continued her education at Western Union (later Westmar) College in Le Mars. She earned her degree in secondary education in 1933. With that degree, Della taught in a country school near Remsen for a few years.

On Jan. 26, 1938, Della and Donald E. Gray were united in marriage. The couple made their home in Marcus. Della was a homemaker and also worked as a receptionist for Dr. Hobson and Dr. Schaechterle. Donald died on August 27, 1975. Della remained in Marcus until moving to Mt. Pleasant in October 1998.

Della was a member of the Nazareth Lutheran Church (now Faith Lutheran Church) in Marcus. She was active in Ladies' Aid, taught Sunday School, and played piano and organ for many years. Della was a people person and enjoyed visiting with others.

She will be lovingly remembered by her sons, Donald H. Gray and his wife JoAnn of Esmond, Ill., Dennis E. Gray and his wife Kay of Annandale, Va., and Darrell C. Gray of Mt. Pleasant; grandchildren Donald, Lori, David, John, Steven, Erin, Robert and Catherine; great-grandchildren Justin, Rachel, Lauren, Ethan, Gabriella, Isabella and Deacon; a daughter-in-law Detra Gray of Crystal Lake, Ill.; two sisters, Irma I. Garvin of Marcus and Marian L. Betten of Orange City.

Della was preceded in death by her parents; husband Donald; son David G. Gray; a sister Myrtle M. Bleasdell; and a brother Howard C. Juhl and his wife Jean; three brothers-in-law Eldon Bleasdell, Robert Garvin, and Warren Betten.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Faith Lutheran Church in Marcus. The Rev. Liz Pfeifle will officiate. Burial will follow at the Marcus Amherst Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. today (Friday) at Faith Lutheran Church in Marcus. The family will be present from 6 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to the funeral.

Memorials in Della's name may be directed to Faith Lutheran Church in Marcus or the American Cancer Society.