Avanelle "Avy" Gray

Avanelle “Avy” Frances (Miller) Gray was born October 15, 1930, on a farm near Wheaton; the  eldest child of three  born to Delos and Alice (Boekholt) Miller.  Avy attended rural schools in Traverse County and graduated from the West Central School of Agriculture (WCSA) in Morris in 1947.

Avy was faculty secretary for four years after graduating from WCSA where she met and married Wesley H Gray of Osseo MN.  Avy stayed home to raise her growing family until 1966, when she joined Production Credit ASSOCIATION (Farm Credit) in Morris for 22 years.  She was never happier than when working for PCA.

Avy was an active member of First Lutheran Church in Morris.  She was President of the Pomme De Terre Chapter of March of Dimes for many years and helped raise thousands of dollars for this charity.  She enjoyed Morningside homemakers, playing bridge, and entertaining.

After retiring, Avy and Wes travelled the world to many destinations, and frequently visited her daughter, Maureen and family in England. After moving to Alexandria, Avy enjoyed being part of Newcomers Club and several bridge and lunch clubs.  She loved living in Alexandria and meeting new people.

She died peacefully April 25, 2021, at Alomere Health in Alexandria, MN at the age of 90.  Avanelle was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Donald and Marvin Miller.  She is survived by children, David (Becky) Gray of Alexandria, Carmen (Scott) Kemper of Prescott AZ, Judy (Ronald) Long of Nashville, TN, Maureen (Ken) Scott of England, and Daniel (Tracy) Gray of Alexandria; grandchildren, April, Ashley (Isaac) Philibert, Abbie (Andrew) Rising, Anna Scott, and Mason and Myles Gray; and great grandchildren, Grayson, Wesley and Davidson.

A Funeral Service was held on Monday, May 3, 2021, at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Reverend Kari van Wakeren officiating.  Interment was held at Summit Cemetery in Morris.  A live stream and recording of the service will be available 11:00 AM on Monday, May 3, 2021, on the funeral home website.  To protect the safety of all, masks will be required.