Joanne Gray

Joanne Gray, 93, passed away Monday, November 4th, 2024 at Zumbrota Care Center in Zumbrota, MN.

Joanne Lorraine was born August 30th, 1931 in Manchester, Iowa, the daughter of Hester Marie Zach (Merkley) and Myron (Jake) Adams. She moved with her family from Sac City, Iowa to Claremont, Minnesota in her junior year of high school. She met the love of her life, George Gray, at a Presbyterian Church banquet. According to family legacy, at first sight of Joanne, George told his mother, "That's the girl I'm going to marry." After graduating high school, she soon married George on June 19th, 1949, and they built their home from scratch in Claremont. In 1954 they purchased their farm home in Ripley Township, milking cows and raising pigs and chickens. Some years after rearing their children on the farm, George retired, and the couple moved to a residential home in Owatonna in 2002. After a few years of apartment living in Owatonna, Joanne moved in June of 2021 to Bridges Assisted Living in Zumbrota. Her final years were spent in the adjoining Care Center.

Joanne enjoyed spending time with her family and special friends. She cherished the traditional occasions of birthdays, Thanksgiving, and especially the large family gatherings at Christmas. Over the many summers, she loved get-togethers at the family cabin in Faribault. She and George enjoyed many special trips to the ocean, including Hawaii and the Cayman Islands. While the family had other pets over the years, her "Sparky" dog was her final constant companion.

Joanne was quick to share charisma and her engaging smile with others. She belonged to several women's groups including The Ladies' Circle, Red Hats, Creative Cooking, and Women's Guild. Her favorite pastimes included dining out, watching television, shopping for clothes, jewelry and decor for the home.

Joanne is survived by her four children: Jim (and Maxine) Gray of Zumbrota, Jody Hoffmann of Kasson, Mark (and Leeann) Gray of Pierz, Jeff (and Linda) Gray of Claremont; 16 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; 10 great, great grandchildren; and two sisters: Barb Lindgren of Sac City, Iowa and Diane Voss of Omaha, Nebraska.

She was preceded in death by her husband George; grand-daughter Joanne Ruckinger and grandsons Mark Gray, Jr. and Nathan Gray.

The funeral service will be at 11:00am on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church 121 East St N, Claremont, MN 55924 with an hour of visitation prior.

Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Dodge Center, MN.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that any form of donation is directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Claremont.