Ruth C Gray

Ruth Christina Gray, 93, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday February 21, 2021. She passed peacefully at her home in Niceville Florida. Ruth was born on July 31, 1927 in San Benito Texas to Evaristo and Elvira Canas. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, George Gray III and son Colin Gray, her parents Evaristo and Elvira Canas, brother Ephraim Canas, brother Rueben Canas, sister Esther Ballesteros, sister Becky Garza. She is survived by her children: Brian J. and Nancy F. Gray of Niceville Florida, and George L. and Kellye D. Gray of Baker Florida. Grandchildren: Stacey, Jennifer, Logan, Matthew and Karlee. Great grandchildren: Xander, Liam, Leigha, Emma, sister Elvira (Chita) Flores, sister Elma Perez and numerous Nieces and Nephews and friends.  

Ruth was a military wife as well as a career teacher and was able to teach in schools in the states and overseas. The family moved to Niceville in 1976 where Ruth worked for Okaloosa County Schools for over 20 years. Ruth earned her Master’s degree in education through Florida State University during that time and headed the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program. She retired in 1996 and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved to cook and bake (we especially loved her homemade enchiladas and Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake!) She also enjoyed bowling, playing in the church league and on base.

Ruth was a devout Christian and a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Valparaiso. She served in multiple ways at the church including; as a Sunday school teacher, GA leader, choir member, Hostess committee member, as well as being very involved with the WMU. Ruth was always ready to serve as she was called by the Lord until He called her to be with Him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s association at www.alz.org/donate, or Hospice at www.choosecovenant.org. A celebration of Life service will be held at First Baptist Church of Crestview on February 28, 2021 at 2pm. There will be no visitation. Arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Gardens Funeral Home in Niceville. Share a memory or sign the tribute wall online at www.heritagegardensfuneralhome.com.

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