Joan Gray

On October 20, 1932, Joan Bernadine (Hass) Gray was born in Manning, Iowa, to Harry and Hilda (Olberding) Hass.
Joan grew up in Woodward, Iowa, where her mother owned a cafe - "Hilda's". When Joan was not working in the cafe, she was caring for her younger sister and three younger brothers.
In her senior year of high school, a "roadie" came into the cafe - yes, that was Earl, the love of her life. After graduation, they were married on June 12, 1950.
Joan and Earl were living in Iowa Falls when Mary had whooping cough. The doctor strongly advised them to move with their daughters Cathy, Becky and Mary to a town "where the air was clean". They moved to Zearing over 65 years ago. Within several years, they celebrated the births of sons John and Brian.
From the time she became a wife, mom, grandma, and great-grandma, Mom loved life. She was happiest caring for our family and others. She reassured us she would love us unconditionally.
Recalling a few memories brings to mind the times she fried chicken and always ate the back. Many years later she said she ate that piece so we could all have the meaty pieces.
There was a time dad came home to find mom enjoying a glass of wine. Dad said "Joan, you're drinking alone!" to which she replied, "oh no, I have these kids here!"
Mom enjoyed baking our birthday cakes and special request birthday cakes for the grandkids, 9 grandsons and 2 granddaughters.
In mom's retirement years, she gave freely, volunteering as a school mentor, prison ministry, and at the Zearing Care Center. Oftentimes, we would call home and dad would tell us, no, she's not home; she's at the "NH" or her home away from home.
Now life has gone full circle as mom spent her last years at Zearing Health Care Center ("NH"), where she took her final breath Friday, April 4, 2025.
Mom was a lifelong member of St. Gabriel's Catholic Church. Being a devout Catholic, she shared her faith with her children, giving us a firm foundation.
Those who continue to cherish her love and hugs are her children Catherine Davis, Rebecca (Bruce) Ziebell, and Brian (Amy) Gray; 11 grandchildren and spouses; 22 great-grandchildren; siblings; and many wonderful friends.
Preceded in death by her husband Earl, daughter Mary Bear, son John Gray, along with her parents, siblings, and friends.
Joan once wrote: Our lives have been filled with up and downs Zearing is our home and we are proud of it. It is a place you can find a friend, a peaceful place. A gift from God!
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family so they may later make donations in Joan's name to St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Zearing Health Care Center, and Story County Youth Shelter Services.
A luncheon will follow her Mass of Christian Burial at Dakins Community Center.
God be praised for the life of Joan.