Frances Louise Gray

Frances L. Gray, 88, of Villisca died on Friday, July 28, 2006, at the
Good Samaritan Center in Villisca, IA where she had been a resident
for almost two years.

Frances Louise (Penwell) Gray was born May 1918 to the late Clarence
(Bud) Aaron Penwell and Helen (Watt) Penwell near Hepburn,
Iowa. Frances attended country schools and graduated as valedictorian
from Nodaway Consolidated School. She attended Grinnell College and
transferred to Aurora College in Aurora, IL, graduating in 1939. She
returned to Villisca and married her hometown love, Neal A. Gray, on
June 29, 1940.

They are survived by their two sons: Dr. Richard Allen Gray of Austin,
TX and Douglas Kent Gray and wife Bonny; and Frances and Neal's only
grandson Alexander Tice Gray also of Austin, TX. In addition, Frances
is survived by sisters: Carol Penwell Eichelberger of Aurora, IL,
Marjorie Penwell Rucker and husband Chuck of Burlington, IA and
Patricia Penwell Lopp and husband Gary of Chapel Hill, N.C. Sisters in
law: Violet Gray Taylor of Oakdale, CA, Sharon Gray Ayers of Houston,
TX area, and Elizabeth Gray of Villisca, IA, plus many loving nieces,
nephews other relatives and friends.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents and husband Neal.

Giving to the community was the hallmark of Frances' rich life. She
taught elementary school in Villisca for 35 years, touching the lives
of generations of children. She was a lifetime member of the Villisca
Advent Christian Church, serving in many leadership capacities and
playing both the piano and organ for over 60 years. She also played
for many weddings, funerals and other occasions in the community. She
and Neal supported and attended the community school activities and
sporting events as long as they were able. Frances was a member of the
Inter-Church Council for many years. She was a member of the Chapter
CH of the P.E.O Sisterhood for 54 years, a long-time member of
Progress Club, the Literary Club, Retired Teachers Group and Christian
Women's Club.

Frances was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was proud of
her sons and their achievements, but the light of her life (and of
Neal's) was her grandson Alex. Frances and Neal spent the winter
months for several years in New Braunfels, TX to be near their family
and enjoy Alex's activities, especially soccer.

We will also remember Frances as a loving sister, aunt, friend,
educator, church member and community leader. We are thankful for our
many memories.

The Family would like to thank friends in the community for their
thoughtfulness and support, for the loving care of the staff at the
Villisca Good Samaritan Center and especially cousins Vince and Judy
Else for their continued care and communication on behalf of Frances.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 2, 2006 at
the Advent Christian Church in Villisca with Pastor Chris Hall
officiating. Tina Anderson, a special friend and Jeff Rucker, a nephew
are soloists. Burial will be in the Villisca Cemetery. Visitation will
be held from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Wolfe Funeral Home
in Villisca. Memorials may be made to the Advent Christian Church or
to the Inter-Church Scholarship Fund 407 East 1st Street, Villisca, IA
50864.

The Villisca Review
Online in 2006 at: http://www.villiscareview.com/Obituaries.htm
-----------------------------


		  Carol Penwell Narigon Eichelberger
		     celebrates her 80th birthday

Five of Carol's six children, many of her grandchildren and
great-grandchildren and her sisters and brother-in-laws - Pat and Gary
Lopp and Marge and Chuck Rucker gathered in Aurora, Illinois to
celebrate with her.

The Villisca Review
Online in Sept. 2006 at:
http://www.villiscareview.com/MilestoneBirthdays.htm