Barbara A. Gray

Barbara A. (Randall) Gray, 90, of Stronghurst, IL, formerly of Gladstone, passed away at 8:45 a.m., Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at the Great River Hospice House, Burlington, IA. 

She was born on March 10, 1933 in Biggsville, IL, the daughter of Page, Sr. and Hazelle (Graham) Randall. Barbara was raised and educated in Henderson County, IL and graduated from Biggsville High School in 1951. She later graduated from Western Illinois University in 1987.   

Barbara married Robert L. Gray on August 11, 1953 in Galesburg, IL; they were married 69 years.  He preceded her in death on December 12, 2022.  

Barbara was involved with family and was very active in her community.  She had a great love of music and shared that passion with Henderson County churches, schools, and several other choirs over her lifetime. Barbara was an active member of the United Presbyterian Church in Biggsville, where she played the piano and was the choir director for many years.  She later served as the pianist for the Biggsville, Gladstone, and Oquawka United Methodist Churches.  Barabara worked at the Union Community School District for many years.  She worked in many areas of the school including driving a bus, substitute teaching, and was a school associate.  Barbara was a pom pom sponsor and was very instrumental with the music department, she accompanied the choir, show choir, and graduations.  She especially loved accompanying kids at music contest.   She enjoyed gardening, cooking, especially baking pies.  Barbara liked playing cards and games with family and friends.  In her younger years, she loved to ride horses and was a trail rider.  Barbara was a member of the Henderson County Historical Society, PEO, and the Ladies Home Bureau.  For 18 years, Barbara was a Henderson County 4-H leader and hosted many foreign exchange students from the IFYE.  She liked to golf at Hend-Co Hills and was on a bowling league at Country Fun.  Barbara and her husband liked to travel; they visited 39 countries.  Most of all, Barbara enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.  

Surviving Barbara are her children, Timothy (Cathy) Gray of Gladstone, IL, Stephen (Paula) Gray of Burlington, IA, Matthew Gray of Gladstone, IL, Lisa (Jeff) Lox of Oquawka, IL, Patrick Gray of Oquawka, IL, and Rebecca (Jason) Stanbrough of Essex, IA.  Also surviving are 13 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.   

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Robert L. Gray; one grandson, Jason Gray and great grandson, Carson Bigger; two brothers, Charles Graham, Page Randall, Jr.  and one sister, Lucy Jean Lambert.   

Memorial Servies will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 1, 2024 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, May 31, 2024 at the funeral home.   A private family Interment will be in South Henderson Cemetery, Gladstone, IL.  Cremation rites have been accorded.  Memorials can be made to the West Central Music Boosters and can be sent to the funeral home.   McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL, is in charge of the arrangements.