Kathryn Garst Gray

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

Kathryn was born on March 26, 1923 in Marshfield, Missouri 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, Missouri 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 Masters degree, and then later, his PhD, as well as an enlistment in the Navy. Married life began in San Luis Obispo, California, where their daughter Carolann was born; and then Champaign/Urbana, Illinois, where their son Richard Garst was born. More moves followed.Middleport, New York, Arlington, Virginia, and eventually Midland, Michigan 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 travel to see family, to visit friends, foreign countries, cruises, Century board meetings, sporting events, births, graduations, 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.

Arrangements are under the care of the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home. Burial of her ashes will be in the Shrader Memorial Garden at the First United Methodist Church, as were those of her beloved Henry. A memorial service will follow at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to P.E.O Chapter CE or the First United Methodist Church of Midland. Personal messages of condolence may be offered to the family at www.wilson-miller.com

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