Zelda Mae Gray

Zelda Mae Gray, 85, went home to the Lord on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 27, at the First Baptist Church in Holbrook, with a gathering to follow at the United Methodist Church. Burial will take place in Scottsdale. She was born on April 23, 1925, in Roaring Spring, Pa., to Charles and Grace Johnson, the oldest of six children. She married James W. "Bud" Gray, also of Roaring Spring, in 1943, and spent her early married years holding down the home front while Bud served overseas in World War II. In 1955 Zelda and Bud moved to Phoenix, where they opened a sewing machine service store and raised their four sons. In 1974, they moved to Holbrook. Zelda spent much of her time volunteering and being active in the community. Along with Bud, she ran the Holbrook Rescue Mission for many years. She was also instrumental in operating the Holbrook Food Bank, and in later years, the Navajo County Historical Society. Zelda gave generously of her time to the Lions Club, Holbrook Senior Center and United Methodist Church, among many, many others. She served on the Holbrook City Council, and the Planning and Zoning Commission. She was a longtime member of Beta Sigma Phi. Zelda spent so much time volunteering for various organizations that her friends and family knew that it was easier to track her down at any community event than to try to see her at home. She received the Joy Nevin Lifetime Service Award and the Bob Arnold Humanitarian Award for her volunteer work. Faith, serving her church and spending time with her church family were a major part of Zelda's life. She was a member of the Brethren Church, and after moving to Holbrook she joined the United Methodist Church. She worked diligently to become a lay preacher for the Methodist Church so that she could further serve the Lord and her church. Zelda was known for her delicious potato soup and apple butter that she made for church fund-raisers. Education was also important to Zelda, and she graduated from Northland Pioneer College in 1981. In her few free moments, Zelda enjoyed sewing, crocheting and canning. She especially enjoyed entering her goods in the county fair each year. Survivors include her sons: Brian (Carol), James (Cathy) and Steve; her grandchildren: Jason (Lisa), Tammy (Matt) Gray-Searles, Jenny (Joe) Cundiff, Michelle (John) Pangelinan and Elizabeth (Scott) Allen; a sister, Mitzi (Roger) Bowers; a brother, Paul (Michelle) Johnson; and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, James "Bud"; her son, Bruce; a grandson, J.W.; brothers, Charles and John; and sister, Reenie. Flowers are welcome, but donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the United Methodist Church of Holbrook.