Mary Gray

Mary Cleora Eagal Gray, 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, at Concordia at the Orchard in Butler. She had been at the Orchard for four years and considered it her home.
Mary was born on July 31, 1931, to Alta McCandless Eagal and Samuel L. Eagal in Center Township, Butler.
Mary married the love of her life, James H. Gray, whom she met in seventh grade. They were married on April 10, 1950, and had many adventures together, such as camping, bluegrass festivals, Florida sojourns, and time spent with family.
She looked forward to her monthly "500" card club which she shared with eight of her dearest friends for 62 years. Her happiness was contagious. She adored her many friends and never stopped making them laugh. Mary continued to endear friends along the way. She considered the staff at the Orchard part of her family. She listened to the young nursing students' stories and shared solutions to their problems. She encouraged them to continue their pursuit of a nursing degree as she shared her myriad of experiences.
She went to grade school in Unionville and then to Butler High School. Mary graduated with an associate degree from Butler County Community College, and later received her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Slippery Rock University. She was then board certified as a licensed nursing home administrator. Mary was the director of nursing at the Odd Fellows Home in Grove City for 15 years. She was an advisory member of Grove Manor Board of Directors. She later retired as Nursing Home Administrator from Grove Manor in Grove City.
Mary was instrumental in developing the first personal care home in Grove City. She created the Caring Place in Franklin. From the inception, she planned and created, with the help of architects and contractors, the successful 150-bed nursing home called the Caring Place.
She was a member of Rider Lutheran Church.
She was the mother of Dr. M. Kathleen Gray of Sewickley, James S. Gray (Lisa) of Butler, Debra J. McCandless (Bruce) of West Sunbury, Thomas J. Gray (Patty) of Butler, and Tamara R. Brown (Doug) of Mechanicsburg.
She was the best grandma in the world to 10 grandchildren and equally special to her 11 great-grandchildren. Her cherished nieces and nephews also survive her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, who passed away on Dec. 5, 2006; and two brothers, John and Lloyd Eagal.
The love and support of Concordia at the Orchard and Good Samaritan Hospice were unparalleled. Mary and her family are forever grateful for their kindness.
GRAY - Viewing for Mary Cleora Eagal Gray, who died Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, will take place from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at YOUNG FUNERAL HOME, 127 W. Jefferson St., Butler.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Rider Lutheran Church, 189 Rider Church Road, West Sunbury.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rider Lutheran Church, 189 Rider Church Road, West Sunbury, PA 16061; or Christian Loving Fund, Grove City; or Make-a-Wish Foundation in honor of Brian McCandless.
For more information, go to www.youngfuneralhomes.com.