REED CITY — Judith “Judy” Ann Gray, born Judith Lyon, 73, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Monday, May 16, 2016, at her home in Reed City.
She was born on Nov. 7, 1942, in Ludington, to Lester and Marijean (Larson) Lyon. Judy grew up in Ludington, attended Longfellow School and continued on to graduate in 1960 from Ludington High School. She was a member of the Community Church, which both her parents were active members of. She worked for the Ludington School District as the district’s switch board operator and at Bonsers Grocery Store during summers while laid off from the school. Judy sacrificed so much and worked tirelessly to support and give her children a good life. She met her forever love, Jay Gray, in 1975, married after a long courtship in 1986, then resided in Reed City until her time of death. Jay and Judy were happily married for 30 years.
Judy enjoyed spending time with her husband, watching movies, crafting, nature watching and working in her yard tending to her beautiful flower gardens. She had a love for all music and dancing. She enjoyed her trips to Branson, Mo., and numerous other locations within the lower 48 states.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Lester “Pete” and Marijean Lyon; and her sister, Linda (Lyon) Hansen.
Judy is survived by her spouse, Jay Gray, of Reed City; her son, Gregory Yennior (Denise), of Richmond, Texas; her daughters, Cheryl (Anthony) Ray, of Charlotte, N.C., and Dedra Yennior (Tyler Wicklund), of Ludington; step-daughter, Jacqueline Moss (Troy), of Hersey; step-son, Richard Gray (Heather); grandchildren, Terrance Scully, Stessi Yennior, Trent Espinola, Austyn Anible, Justin McKee, Amy McKee and Tuffton Gray; her great-grandsons, Ervin Ritthaler and Colton Espinola; and many loving nieces, nephews and numerous other relatives. She also is survived by her dear, lifelong friends, Joyce (Cloutier) and David Avard, of Portage. She cherished their years of friendship.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2016, at Pruitt-Livingston Funeral Home, 225 W. Upton Ave., in Reed City. A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 20, 2016. Burial will follow at 3 p.m. on Friday at Lakeview Cemetery, 906 N. Lakeshore Drive, in Ludington.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Michigan or Hospice of Michigan. Condolences may be left on Judith Gray’s online guest book at yourtribute.com.
