Lois Gray

Lois Elaine (Volkmann) Gray was born on March 8, 1930, to Herbert and Johannah (Wiese) in Denison, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed in the Methodist faith and remained a devoted member of various churches throughout her life. She was a high school graduate who later pursued higher education in accounting in Kentucky, where she worked as a bookkeeper throughout her career. She often worked from home, balancing her professional life with raising her two children, Michelle and Daniel.

On July 19, 1949, Lois married Kenneth Gray in Chicago, Illinois, and the couple soon moved to Kentucky for Kenneth's job. In the late 1980s, they relocated to Possum Trout, Kentucky, where they found a peaceful retreat. Together, with help from many friends, they lovingly rebuilt two log cabins into one on their property to serve as their retirement home.

Lois had a wide range of interests and talents. She was a skilled seamstress, often making her own clothes as well as her children's when they were young. She also enjoyed writing, sharing poetry and local reminiscences with the community through a local newspaper. Lois was an avid lover of the outdoors, particularly camping, and she was a proud member of the Weaver’s Guild. She also enjoyed traveling, with memorable trips to visit her family in Alaska, as well as to Germany, Australia and Scotland.

After the passing of her husband, Lois moved to Tacoma, Washington, to live with her daughter, Michelle. She embraced this new chapter of her life with a sense of adventure, traveling extensively and continuing to give back to her community. She worked for her church in Tacoma, helping with the Deacon’s Fund, which assisted local residents with utilities and rent.

Lois passed away surrounded by her family on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, in Tacoma, Washington just shy of her 95th birthday. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth Gray; and brother, Palmer Volkmann.

Lois is survived by her daughter, Michelle Gray (David Little) of Tacoma, Washington; son, Daniel Gray (Janet Clarke) of Sitka, Alaska; three grandchildren, Chance Gray, Lane (Molly) Gray, and Elle Gray (John); four great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends.

A private graveside service will be held with the family at Crawford Heights Memory Gardens in Denison, Iowa.