Mary Dale (Pogue) Gray

Mary Dale Gray, age 91, was called away on Thursday, October 3, 2019 to use her wings to enter a new dimension of all things Beautiful. She was a resident of the Good Shepherd Care Center in Versailles, Missouri for the past 5 years and during her stay developed many friendships with the staff and other residents and their families.  She was well known throughout the center and everyone loved her.   Born in Eminence, Missouri on May 12, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Emma (Mooney) Pogue and was the 4th in line of 10 children.  She married Carl Gray in New Franklin, Missouri in 1969.

Mary loved traveling and her favorite place to visit were the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee, which she spoke about often.  While residing at Good Shepherd, she acquired the love of playing Dominos and became known as the "Domino Queen" from those that tried to win a game of Dominos and failed.   We all would look to one another in amazement!

Mary was such a loving, caring woman and Mother. She always stayed true to her faith and it showed. She was a light that shined and touched many lives while on her Christian Journey. She's forever in the hearts of those of us that were fortunate to have known her and been loved by her.  

She is survived by three children, Sharon Clonts of Lake Stevens, WA, Dana King of Olympia, WA, and Larry Kottwitz of Kokomo, IN; Six grandchildren, Darren Speakes, Christina Ritch, Angela Kautz, Sarah Bell, Logan Bell and Kaitlyn Bell; Five great grandchildren, Chad Speakes, Zachary Speakes, Kayla Kautz; Adam Ritch and Alan Ritch; two sisters Alta Swofford, Lucille Miser; one brother, Cecil Pogue; many nieces and nephews and her adopted family at Good Shepherd Care Center.  

She is preceded in death by her late husband, Carl Gray, two sisters, Beulah Henley and Bessie McCoy, four brothers, Benjamin Pogue, Willard Pogue, Amos Pogue, and Merle Pogue.    

Memorials in her name are suggested to the Donor's Choice.  A celebration of life will be held at a later time.  Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO.  

I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free;
I took His hand when I heard Him call;
I turned my back and left it all.
If my parting has left a void;
then fill it with remembered joy.
My life’s been full, I savored much;
good friends, good times,
a loved one’s touch.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss;
ah yes, these things, I too, will miss.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;
don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and share with me;
God wanted me now, He set me free.

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