Mary Gray

Mary Gray, 88, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her daughter and son-in law on September 16, 2024, in Sun City, Arizona.
Mary “Betty” Elizabeth (Keyes) Gray was born on May 06, 1936, to Vernon and Luella Keyes in Kingston, Ontario, Canada and was raised in Gananoque, Ontario with her 4 sisters and brother.
Betty married Douglas Orville Gray on September 21, 1957, and they enjoyed 60 years of marriage together. Unable to have their own biological children, Doug and Betty adopted 3 children over a 5-year period. Kevin Douglas, Debra Ellen, and Julie-Anne Margaret.
In 1984 Doug and Betty moved from Ottawa, Ontario to Phoenix, Arizona for warmer weather and a new chapter in life. Betty worked for over 20 years at the Department of Public Safety (in accounting) where she won many professional awards. After retirement in 2006, Doug and Betty moved to Sun City, AZ where they established some of their closest friendships.
After becoming a widow in 2018, Betty picked up new hobbies of knitting, crocheting, card embroidery and her ultimate favorite, Brazilian needle point. She enjoyed her few days at the Rec Club each week doing crafts with her new friends. The number of lap blankets she knit for Veterans in wheelchairs is incalculable.
Betty was predeceased by husband Doug, her parents, her sisters Anne, Jean, and Patricia. She is survived by her children Kevin Gray, Debra Gray, and Julie-Anne Schmidt (Kurt). Her grandchildren, Candaice, Alexis, Travis, Dylan, Shealyn, Nolan, and Brynn. Her brother Robert “Bob” Keyes, sister Verna (Jack) Hughson and Sister-In-Law Marlene (Glenn) Richardson as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.
In keeping with Betty’s wishes, no service is planned. Donations can be sent to Bell Recreation Center Knitting Club, 16820 N 99th Ave., Sun City, AZ 85351
Thank You to Hospice of the Valley professionals who provided timely, adaptive, appropriate and considerate care allowing her to stay in her own home.