Kathryn Garst Gray

Kathryn Garst Gray, 94, a longtime Midland resident, passed away Tuesday, July 25, 2017. She had spent much of July happily surrounded by her family from Texas and California.

Kathryn was born March 26, 1923 in Marshfield, Mo. at the home of her parents, Lester H. and Nanalee Day Garst. She was greeted by her older brother, Robert Milton Garst and later welcomed a younger brother, William Eugene Garst. She and her birth family are now all reunited and together again.

Kathryn always shared many memories of her wonderful childhood in Marshfield. She attended Stephens College in Columbia, Mo. where she received her A.A. degree and later graduated with a B.S. degree in home economics from Missouri University. This is also where she received her "Mrs." degree, as she met and then married the love of her life, Henry Emil Gray.

Many moves were in store as Henry pursued his master's degree, and then later, his Ph.D., as well as an enlistment in the Navy. Married life began in San Luis Obispo, Calif., where their daughter Carolann was born; and then Champaign/Urbana, Ill., where their son Richard Garst was born. More moves followed….Middleport, N.Y,; Arlington, Va.; and eventually Midland in 1959.

Kathryn's life revolved around her husband, her children and friends. A wonderful cook and seamstress, she was always learning new crafts, be it cake decorating, baking and icing cut out cookies, needlepoint, counted cross stitch, knitting and her touching computer greeting cards. She was a MAC lover ahead of her time! Very athletic and quite a competitor, she was able to enjoy golf for a number of years, despite various back issues.

Kathryn was a wonderful homemaker, but she also has an acute business sense. From the time she was small she had a role at Webster County Telephone Company in Marshfield, owned by her parents. That role grew later as she and her brothers and spouses became officers and directors. This family team ran the company for many years, eventually merging with Century Telephone Enterprises.

Later years for Kathryn and Henry involved enjoying all the fine arts and events Midland had to offer, and time with dear friends; but also traveled to see family, to visit friends, foreign countries, cruises, Century board meetings, sporting events, births, graduations and weddings. They were highly mobile and could travel as a pair. Henry could push Kathryn in the wheelchair and she could be his eyes. True teamwork.

Kathryn's P.E.O. sisters were very special to her and remained so throughout her life. She was a member from her college days on and was very active in her local Chapter CE. Church was an important part of Kathryn and Henry's life. Both were active members of the First United Methodist Church in Midland, generously giving of their time, presence, gifts and service.

Henry's death in 2009 was devastating for Kathryn, but with her strong spirit and faith she pushed on, with the most amazing and positive attitude - which is exactly how she left this world: positive, full of hope, grateful and ready to be HOME. And now she is.

Kathryn is survived by her daughter, Carolann (and James) Thigpen; her son, Richard (and Colleen) Gray; and grandson, Darby (and Jaime) Gray. She is also survived by her bonus and inherited grandchildren who lovingly call them Mama and Papa Gray. They are Ronald (and Kristen) Thigpen, Mark (and LaRae) Thigpen, Lisa (and Douglas) Heick and Shane (and Staci) Bonnin. The great-grandchildren are Kira, Emma Kathryn and Liam Gray; Natalie and Abbey Thigpen; Seth Thigpen; Amy and Robert Heick; and Blake, Bryce, Brady and Brett Bonnin.

The family is so thankful for Kathryn's caretakers. Cheryl Schaefer,who so lovingly cared for her and her home, tending to her every need. So protective. So supportive. Priceless. Her MidMichigan Private Duty crew, most especially "her girls" - Patti Price, Pam Hill and Joyce Dooley. Our eyes, hands, and hearts in Midland. Stratford Pines and their wonderful staff made her transition from her home very pleasant and nurturing. She felt very safe and cared for. The family is forever grateful.

A celebration of Kathryn's life will take place 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017 at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Pam Buchholz and the Rev. Dr. J.D. Landis officiating. Memorial gifts may be made to P.E.O Chapter CE or the First United Methodist Church of Midland. Arrangements are under the care of Wilson MILLER Funeral Home. Personal messages of condolence may be offered to the family at www.wilson-miller.com