Don and Orla Gray's Obituary
Orla Ruth Gray and Donald Dean Gray, of Miami, OK, went to be with the Lord, just hours apart, after short illnesses. Orla, 90, passed away Monday evening, September 12, 2016. Donald, 85, would join her early Wednesday morning, September 14, both passing at Eastwood Manor in Commerce. Orla was born August 28, 1926, in Ashton, IL to Orno and Ruth (Fackler) Kersten. She attended college at Iowa State, obtaining her bachelor's degree in education. She taught school in Washington, Newton, Cedar Rapids and Burlington, IA, as well as Ft. Knox, Kentucky. Donald was born October 18, 1930 in Washington, IA to Harold and Goldie (Crossett) Gray. After graduating high school, he proudly served his country with the United States Army during the Korean War, and for 21 years served as Administrator of Geneva Tower. He was also in store management for Montgomery Ward for many years. Donald and Orla where married on August 6, 1950 in Ashton, IL. The couple made their home in Cedar Rapids, where they were active members of the Immanuel Baptist Church for over 50 years, teaching children and adults Sunday school and bible study which they dearly loved. They later relocated to Miami, Oklahoma to be close to their family. While living in Miami, they actively attended the First Christian Church. Donald and Orla leave behind a legacy of survivors including, daughter, Francine (Gray) Ogle and husband Kirk of Miami; 2 granddaughters, Shelby (Ogle) DeSha and husband Kris, and Dori Ogle; 1 great-granddaughter, Miley Marie DeSha. Donald is also survived by several brothers and sisters. In keeping with Donald and Orla's wishes, no services will be held. They will be laid to rest in a private burial at Cedar Memorial Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, IA, under the direction of Cedar Memorial Funeral Home. Local arrangements were entrusted Thomas Funeral Home, Welch, OK
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