Martha Sue Gray

Martha Sue Gray, 85, of Evansville, Indiana passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent. She was born in Marion, Indiana on August 26, 1940, to the late George K. and Esta Bordner.

Martha Sue was a graduate of Bosse High School and carried throughout life the strong work ethic and determination that defined her character. She faithfully followed her beloved mother's footsteps as a dedicated volunteer and long-term employee of St. Mary's Hospital, where her compassion touched many lives.

A parishioner of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Martha Sue lived with quiet strength and faith. She was an avid walker and took great pride in her homes, keeping the landscape immaculate and the curb appeal just right.

Her greatest accomplishment was her family. Martha Sue and then husband, Larry, raised three strong and independent sons, instilling in them resilience, responsibility, and love. She had a remarkable knack for remembering every birthday in the family and among friends, ensuring no one ever felt forgotten. Known as "Nana", she was devoted to her grandchildren by regularly attending their competitions and events and rarely, if ever, missing a game. A passionate fan of Indiana Hoosiers basketball, she especially admired Coach Bobby Knight.

Martha Sue found great joy in family trips to Destin with her adored husband, Don, and their extended family. Those vacations were marked by laughter, togetherness, and her insistence on a coordinated family photo – khaki pants and white tops required. She also had a well-known love for Coca-Cola Classic, though she preferred to enjoy it in small "swigs" throughout the day, often leaving an open bottle waiting in the refrigerator.

Above all, Martha Sue will be remembered for her steady devotion to her family and the quiet but powerful love she showed in countless everyday ways.

Martha Sue is survived by her sons, Lawrence Bitter (Charlene), Derek Bitter (Sandy), and Daren Bitter (Michelle); stepsons, Brian Gray (Andrea) and Brad Gray (Elaine); grandchildren, Logan Bitter (Jessica), Kaitlin Bitter, Evan Bitter (Samantha), Maddi Walton (Logan), Griffin Bitter, Carson Bitter, Reagan Bitter, Cami Bitter, Kelsey Gray, Noah Gray and Bradie Gray; and great-grandchildren, Isabelle, Bo and James Bitter, Elias and Lucas Gray.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 20 years, Donald "Don" Gray.

The family would like to thank the staff at Primrose Retirement Community of Newburgh, Woodmont Health Campus in Boonville and Ascension St. Vincent Hospital for their ongoing love and compassionate care.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 1301 S. Green River Rd., Evansville, Indiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at the church with Father Bernie Etienne officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 1301 S. Green River Rd., Evansville, Indiana 47715 in Martha Sue's memory.

Ziemer Funeral Home East Chapel is handling arrangements, and condolences may be made online at www.ziemerfuneralhome.com.