Dorothy Ruth Gray

June 8, 1929 - June 5, 2008

Dorothy Ruth Gray, age 78, of Albia, died Thursday June 5, 2008, at the Monroe Care Center in Albia, Iowa. Dorothy was born on June 8, 1929 in Monroe County, Iowa to John Levi and Fannie Elizabeth (Mahin) Colwell. After Dorothy attended school she married Howard Gray on December 13, 1950 in Unionville, Missouri. Howard died October 18, 1992. Dorothy was a hard worker all her life, and loved to volunteer. She worked at Smith Laundry and later Chamberlian Manufacturing until its closing. Dorothy also worked part-time for Kenny's Tap, The Owl Tap, and 4 Corners. After Chamberlian Manufacturing closed Dorothy worked at Woody's Super Valu, and helped bartend at the American Legion. She would volunteer bartend at the Eagles Club, of which she was a member and past Madam President. She also belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary, helping for years with funeral lunches and legion stag dinners. . Dorothy is survived by her son, Danny Gray of Albia; her daughter, Anita Gray of Des Moines; two grandsons, Chris "Crystal" Counts and Jeremy Burgett. Dorothy is also survived by one brother, Bill (Ann) Colwell of Knoxville; three sisters, Betty Caves and Maude Bennett both of Albia, and Helen McSparen of Chariton; and nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, John and Fannie; her husband, Howard; one son, Marvin "Snook" Gray; one granddaughter, Stephanie Gray; one sister, Patty Jewel; and six brothers, Harvey, Levie, James, Jackie, Donald, and Everrett.