CALIFORNIA - Lena Agnes Gray was born in Council Bluffs on July 16, 1888 to William and Lena (Heitheker) Book. She died June 17, 1977 at the Friendship Home in National City, Ca at age 88 years. 11 months and one day. The family moved to Joplin, Mo, when Lena was an infant. Her mother died Oct. 27, 1888 and Mr. Book brought his family to Harlan on March 8, 1888. Lena was adopted by Mr and Mrs. Isaac Miller, when she was eight months old. Mr. Book returned to Missouri with the two older children, Grace and Charlie. Mrs. Gray attended school in Harlan at the old Central school until the Park School was built. The Miller Home was located at 505 Dye St., where it still stands. On Dec. 24, 1906 she married Albert C. Gray in Harlan. (Albert was formally from Portsmouth). Two children were born to this union, Clyde C. Gray of Tucson, Ariz., and Dorothy Mae (Firebaugh) of Imperial Beach, Calif. The Grays made their home in the house in which Mrs. Gary was reared. Her adoptive father, Isaac Miller died July 31, 1906 and her adoptive mother, Rachael Miller, died Oct. 27, 1916. On Aug. 15, 1960, she moved to Calif., with her daughter, Dorothy, with whom she made her home at Imperial Beach. On May 17, 1977 she entered the Friendship Home in National City when extensive nursing care became necessary.

Mrs Gray enjoyed reminiscing and recalled many events of the past history of Harlan. She was the instigator of the annual Harlan Picnic in Escondido, Calif, and attended each of the 12 consecutive reunions.

Her survivors include her daughter, Dorothy Firebaugh; her son and daughter-in-law, Clyde and Jean Gray; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and other relatives.

Lena was preceded in death by her parents; adoptive parents; husband, Albert, one sister; two brothers; and by one grandchild.

Brief services were held at Humphrey Funeral Home in Chula Vista, Calif., on Sunday June 19, 1977. Lance Poldberg of Escondido officiated at the prayer service. Funeral services were held at Pauley Funeral Home in Harlan on Wednesday, June 22, 1977, , with Rev. J. Elmer Brunk, pastor of the Irwin United Methodist Church, officiating, Burial was in the Harlan Cemetery with Jim Noble, Dale Poldberg, Otto Anderson, H. Clay Pauley, Robert Bertsch and Robert Poldberg serving as casket bearers.