Dorothy I Dray

Dorothy I. Dray, 97, of St. Joseph, MI, passed away on Sunday, March 20 at Royalton Manor in St. Joseph, MI.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd, St. Joseph, MI.    Dorothy was born on June 27, 1918 to John and Anna (Nelson) Olson in Rockford, IL.  She grew up in Rockford, graduating from Rockford Central High School.  Dorothy married C. Everett Dray, Jr. on August 2, 1940.  During WWII, she followed him throughout the South as he trained to be a fighter pilot.  Upon returning to Rockford, they started a family, and Dorothy became a devoted mother to her daughter, Barbara, and later, son, Daniel.  She was a homemaker, but also very active at Tabor Lutheran Church in Rockford, and an avid golfer.  After her children left for college, she worked as a librarian in the Rockford School System. In addition to her children, Barb Durflinger and Dan Dray, Dorothy is survived by her loving husband, Everett; grandchildren Matthew, Michelle, Nathaniel and Jonathan; and great grandchildren Owen, Gabriela, Addison and Grayson.  Preceding her in death are her parents, two sisters Francis and Florence, and two brothers Edwin and Harry. Cremation has taken place.  There will be a private family memorial service celebrating Dorothy’s life at Peace Lutheran Church in St. Joseph, with Rev. Ronald Schmidt officiating.  Memorials may be made in Dorothy’s name to Peace Lutheran Church.  Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.