Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
Eleanor Bray Obituary
She was born Jan. 3, 1912, in Dickinson, N.D., to Jessie Merry and William Fulton Burnett, the third of four children. Her elementary education was in Dickinson. In 1924, the family moved to Fargo, N.D., where she had her high school years. She attended Carleton College and graduated in 1932 with a major in chemistry. She was training for lab work at the Dakota Clinic in Fargo when she met and married Dr. Robert B. Bray. They were married Jan. 3, 1934, in Fargo and lived there since Dr. Bray was a member of the Dakota Clinic as an ob-gyn specialist.
In 1937, Robert's father died leaving a 10- to 13-bed hospital he and his mother (both doctors) had built and established at the turn of the century in Biwabik, Minn. Being the eldest of three brothers who were all doctors, Robert felt he should move to Biwabik to carry on his father's work. So Robert and Eleanor moved to Biwabik in 1937, serving that community for 13 years. In 1950, they gave up that 24-hours-a-day work and moved to Rapid City, where Dr. Bray was associated with Dr. W.W. Holleman for 18 years. When Dr. Holleman retired to Arizona, Dr. Bray moved to the Medical Arts group, practicing there until he retired in 1975 at the age of 75, having practiced medicine for 50 years.
Over the years Eleanor was active in the First United Methodist Church, Chapter Q of PEO, and served on the board of the then YWCA-YMCA. She also worked on the United Way drive, the high school parents' council, Cub Scouts, PTA, Rapid City Concert Association and the Ninth District Medical Auxiliary.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, her parents, two brothers and a sister.
She is survived by her daughter, Bonny Armacost, and her husband, Ambassador Michael H. Armacost of San Francisco, Calif.; her son, Richard B. of Washington, D.C.; three grandsons and their wives; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
Arrangements are pending with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eleanor Bray
March 19, 2011
BONNIE AND DICK,
I HAVE SUCH FOND MEMORIES OF YOUR FAMILY WHILE GROWING UP IN BIWABIK.
MY SYMPATHY TO ALL YOUR FAMILY.
JOANNE RENQUIST (GUSTAFSON)
Karen Roth
March 18, 2011
Richard and Bonny- Your mother enriched so many people's lives in such positive ways. She's truly one of the loveliest people I've ever known. May God bless you and your family at this time.
Jim Cunningham
March 17, 2011
Eleanor was such a joy to visit with. Her pleasant smile brightened my day when she was around. God's blessings be with you and your families during this time.
Roy Glanville
March 12, 2011
Dear Bonny and Dick, It has been my good fortune and privlidge to have known and have such special mentors. Every day at the cottage has memories of Robert and Eleanor. Roy Glanville
March 9, 2011
Dear Bonny and Dick, This is Ann Holleman Smith writing to you. Whenever I reaturned to Rapid, I called your Mother to visit her. Dick, It was so ironic that I would bump into you in from of the President's home this last Dakota Day. I wrote your Mother at Christmas that "I heard this voice and turned around and there was Dick Bray!" Of course, I didn't hear from her this Christmas, but had been in contact with her all the years since I left Rapid. We had a mutual contact in that we were both members of P.E.O. I joined in 1967. She would send me, Bonnie, brochures of your mucical group...especially when you would be in Rapid.
What can I say about th Bray family other than your Father and my Father were such partners. I can remember my Mother saying, "I don't think there was any cross words between the two of them." (Including "Mac"?) Bonny, your Mother mentioned one time on a recent visit, that you lived a "Fairy-tale" life, and I quiped, I think she lived "a life suitable to her accomplishments"
I just wanted you to know that my husband, Vic, of 51 years express our most heartfelt Blessing for knowing her. After all, I did wear you Bridal Vail when I married in 1959! Most fondly, Vic and Ann Holleman Smith.
Rev. Randy Cross
March 9, 2011
I was honored to celebrate Dr. Bray's life at his funeral, and always enjoyed my pastoral visits with Eleanor. Her kindness, clarity of mind and heart, and her grace will always stand as a memorial to her. God bless your family during this time.
March 9, 2011
Eleanor Bray was a most gracious and beautiful lady. Her life was long and rich. It was a privledge to know her and also Dr Bray.
Sincerely,
Joyce Temple
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Eleanor Bray's name
Memorial Events
for Eleanor Bray
How to support Eleanor's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Eleanor Bray's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
