Steven Michael Gray

Steven Michael Gray, age 63 of Hiteman, passed away Sunday, July 7, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family. Steve was born January 5, 1950 to Jesse "Speck" and Mary (Hoover) Gray in Ottumwa, IA. He married Susan Bettis and to this union three children were born, Michelle, Mike, and Monica. Steve and Susan later divorced. Steve married Sandy Inman on January 1, 1997 at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Albia. A graduate of Albia High School, class of 1968, Steve grew up and attended grade school in Hiteman. Steve was skilled in many areas. He had several jobs in his lifetime, including working at Albia Light & Railway, John Deere, working on furnaces, owning Gray's Handyman Service, working at Cunninghams, and working at M & W. Steve enjoyed farming in his young adult life. He enjoyed being outdoors and working with his horses. Steve was musically talented and loved to sing and play the guitar. He enjoyed helping others and having coffee with his Hiteman buddies. Most of all Steve loved spending time with his family and was very proud of his children and grandchildren. Steve is survived by his mother, Mary Gray of Albia; his wife, Sandy Gray of Hiteman; 3 children, Michelle (Doug) Weldon, Mike (Carrie) Gray, and Monica (Richard) Tharp all of Albia; 6 grandchildren, Bobby, Tawny, Sydney, Hunter, Garrett, and Cooper; a great grandson, Kaiden; his siblings, Cathy (Jim) Flattery of Albia, Greg (Jolene Aunspach) Gray of Albia, Mary Beth (Gary) Caster of Albia, and Tim (Debbie) Gray of Rochelle, IL. Steve is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and a sister, Patricia "Patty" Gray. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 11, 2013, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia, with Fr. Michael E. Volkmer, C.PP.S. officiating. A private burial will be in held at a later date in the Hiteman Cemetery in Hiteman. Visitation will open to the public at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2013, at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Steve's family present throughout the day and evening. A rosary will be led at 4 p.m., provided by St. Mary's Altar and Rosary Society. Memorials may be directed to family.

Steven Michael Gray

January 5, 1950 - July 7, 2013