Neva Gray, age 93, passed away on October 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 January 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 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 forty years as an educator, she taught grades one through eight. She had fond memories of her students. Neva thrived when close to the earth, surrounded by the beauty of her flowers and garden.
Her Iowa family and farming heritage remained dear to her 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, and pies and tomatoes from home.
In addition to gardening, Neva enjoyed reading, writing, geography, sports, learning, playing cards, art, crossword puzzles and traveling. She liked to meet people on her travels throughout the U.S., Mexico, Jamaica, Europe, China, Japan, New Zealand, Canada and Australia. Her dear friends in Australia became like family.
Neva 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 2 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 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 Angels. – Longfellow To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Neva Gray, please visit our Tribute Store.
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