NEVA GRAY – JAN. 25, 1925–OCT. 6, 2018
Neva Gray, 93, passed away on Oct. 6, 2018.
She was an amazing, strong and adventurous woman with a loving heart. Her friendship and presence will be greatly missed.
Geneva Irene Brauninger was born during an Iowa blizzard on Jan. 25, 1925. She was the second of five children, born to Ernest and Hazel Brauninger.
Neva remembered a happy childhood, growing up on an Iowa farm, although the Depression years were difficult.
Neva began her long teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in Iowa. She ventured west to Oregon at age 19. She taught at Trent Elementary in Pleasant Hill and graduated from the University of Oregon.
In 1945, she married a handsome sailor, Wilfred Gray. They had four children: Linda Gray, Karrie Lowry, Connie Kaufman and Gary Gray.
Neva was a teacher and counselor in Creswell schools until her retirement. During her 40 years as an educator, she taught grades one through eight. She had fond memories of her students.
Neva thrived when close to the the earth, surrounded by the beauty of her flowers and garden. Her Iowa family and farming heritage remained dear to hear heart.
She and her son, Gary, enjoyed raising and selling plants at the Saturday Market.
Her favorite foods were good and simple like fresh fruit, pasta, pies and tomatoes from home.
In addition to gardening, Neva enjoyed reading, writing, learning, playing cards, arts, crossword puzzles and traveling.
She liked to meet people on her travels throughout the United States, Mexico, Jamaica, Europe, China, Japan, New Zealand, Canada and Australia. Her dear friends in Australia became like family.
Nova loved her family very much. She enjoyed activities with her grandkids and visiting with friends.
Neva is survived by her three daughters, Linda Gray, Karrie Lowry and Connie Kaufman; her brother, Robert Brauninger of Iowa; her grandchildren, Ryan Lowry, Malia Stowers, Amber Bennett, Heather Stokes, Misty Lowry, Angela Kaufman and Kyle Lowry; 10 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Wilfred; her son, Gary; sister, Ellen; brothers, Lewis and Don; sisters-in-law Bernice, Pat and Phyllis; her granddaughter, Andrea; and great-grandsons, Sean and Jacob.
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Neva’s caregivers and friends for their loving care. Our appreciation to Dr. Moser and Sacred Heart Hospice.
Arrangements are entrusted to Sunset Hills.
Neva’s life will be celebrated privately. A walk in nature and kindness will honor Neva’s memory.
”Silently, one by one, in the infinite meadows of Heaven, blossomed the lovely stars, the forget-me-nots of the angels.” – Longfellow