Ruby E. Gray

Ruby E. Gray, 91, of Claremont, passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born on August 3, 1934, to the late Melvin and Agnes (Musegades) Rehman, Ruby was the first of four children. Growing up, Ruby was raised on a farm, moving to the Claremont area in 1947, and graduating from Claremont High School in 1952. While working at the Claremont Telephone Company, Ruby met her future husband, Don Gray, and after his return from the military, they married at the old St. John's Church in Owatonna on May 12, 1957.

Ruby left her job at the Owatonna Public Utilities and the couple moved to Claremont where they built their home on Don's family farm, as he was a fifth-generation farmer. Ruby embraced the farming life as she helped with the dairy cattle and feeding the calves. In 1990, Ruby and Don moved into Claremont when their son, Gary, bought the family farm.

When Ruby wasn't working (which was rare), she could almost always be found in her flower garden as that was her pride and joy. Ruby also enjoyed knitting and crocheting baby blankets and graduation afghans, ceramics, canning and freezing fresh tomatoes, corn, peas, and beans, and in her recent years, diamond paintings. There was always a soft spot in her heart for birds and she had feeders for hummingbirds and cardinals and could be found buying pints of grape jelly and oranges for the orioles. She also stashed peanuts for the blue jays. Up until recently, Ruby journaled; she would describe everyday for several years, which helped Gary out when there were questions about when corn was planted.

Ruby is survived by her husband of 68 years, Don; her children: Dean, Gary (Mickie), and Sue Gray; grandchildren: Brad, Brian (Brittney), Jacob (Kylie) Spatenka, and Chase Spatenka; granddaughter-in-law, Stephanie (Jarod) Ploetz; great-grandchildren: Brennen, Teigen, Addison, and Hadelie; her siblings, Darlene (Curt) Russell and Roger (Diane) Rehman; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter-in-law, Wendy Gray; grandson, Tyler Gray; and sister, Beverly (Bill) Rogers.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Friday, September 19, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church in Claremont. A visitation will be held at 10 am until the time of service. Ruby will be laid to rest at the Hillside Cemetery during a private family burial.