Colleen Jeanette Gray

Colleen was born on February 18, 1934 in southern Minnesota and grew up on the family dairy farm north of Byron. She worked alongside her Dad and enjoyed telling stories of milking cows by hand, driving the draft horses in the fields and showing her cattle at the fair. While in high school she also made time to play bass drum in the marching band and was a cheerleader. On February 20, 1954 she married Donald Eugene Gray and lived in their home built next to the farm. Five children blessed their lives. Barry, Jann, Vance, Vincent (deceased) and Zane. Her love of horses continued, and as a family they were very active in the Pine Island Riders Saddle Club where she competed in many show events on her mare ‘Queen’, rode in several parades every summer and trail rides were one of her favorite things to do with family. As an adult, she was very active in the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies, a service-oriented auxiliary of the I.O.O.F. In the spring of 1966 Eugene was transferred to Colorado as an employee of IBM. Now living outside Longmont, they continued activities with the horses with the St. Vrain Valley Saddle Club. Colleen was also an avid bowler on leagues and in tournaments. In later years she bowled many events with her daughter Jann and granddaughter Stephanee traveling to State and National tournaments. She also enjoyed sewing, crochet, gardening, home canning and hunting & fishing. She joined the Women of the Moose (branch of the Loyal Order of Moose) where she was a member until her passing and served in many officer and chairman positions. Colleen was preceded in death by her Father Arleigh Smith, Mother Gladys Smith, brother Robert, son Vincent, grandson Zachary and husband Donald Eugene. She is survived by son Barry & wife Karen, daughter Jann & husband Tom, son Vance, son Zane & wife Alicia. Colleen was blessed with seven grandchildren – Stephanee, Hannah, Grace, Zachary, Brandon, Brittany and Brianna… six great grandchildren – Bronwyn, Rowen, Ryler, Harper, Addison and Rylee and another on the way whom she will be seeing from heaven. She is also survived by her siblings – sister Jo Marie, brother Lyle, sister Judy, sister-in-law Sherron and sister-in-law Virginia. With all the challenges lately, there will not be a formal service. Her life will be celebrated at her home with a family bar-b-que, sharing stories and a card game or two which she enjoyed so much. She will be buried next spring in Othello cemetery north of Byron alongside Vincent. We have received many cards, flowers, prayers and virtual hugs. Your support through these gestures is greatly appreciated.