Joan Ruth Gray, 75, died Thursday (March 10, 2011) at Kansas Christian Home in Newton.
She was born May 18, 1935, in Goessel to Albert and Anna Carolina (Schmidt) Lehrman.
Joan married Bob Gray in August 1955, and he survives her.
Joan was a charter member of the Trinity Heights United Methodist Church in Newton. She was active in her church, including the Challengers Sunday school class and the Chancel Choir.
Joan worked alongside her husband at their sporting goods store and later as an admittance clerk at Newton Medical Center.
Joan had a love of books and reading and enjoyed her retirement job at Newton Public Library.
Her family was important to her, and she greatly enjoyed spending time with her loving family and many friends
Joan is survived by her husband, Bob of Halstead; daughter, Kristen A. and her husband Zane Johnson of Wichita; a son, Brian D. and his wife Debbie Gray of Shawnee; a brother Hartzel Schmidt of North Newton; grandchildren, Rachel, Tanner and Jenna Gray and Will and Karoline Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents; infant brother Donald; and sister, Arlene Balzer.
A celebration of Joan's life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church in Newton with the Rev. Cheryl Jefferson Bell presiding.
Private family inurnment will take place at a later date.
Memorials may be left with Trinity Heights United Methodist Church, Hospice Care of Kansas or Kansas Christian Home in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
1935 - 2011 (75 years)