Kathleen B. Wray

Kathleen Bowman Wray of Callaway, passed away peacefully at age 91 on March 17, 2011 at a local nursing home. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elijah and Minnie Bowman; her brothers Clinton, Denver, Forest, Harold, and Rayford Bowman; and her sister Hettie Webster. Surviving are her husband of 69 years, Luther Wray; sons and daughters-in-law, Benton and Diane Wray, Alvin and Linda Wray of Callaway, VA., and Paul and Christie Wray of Roanoke, VA.; grandchildren Sheri Wood and her husband Dale, Heather Simon and her husband John, Lindsey Wray, Luke Wray, Julia Dittler, Hannah Wray, and Thomas Wray; great- grandchildren Leah Wood, Riley Wood, Tucker Simon and Kendall Simon; brother-in-law David Webster of Roanoke; sister-in-law Ruth Bowman of Salem, VA., numerous nieces and nephews, and special friend Becky Tate. Kathleen was an active and lifelong member of Monte Vista Church of the Brethren in Callaway, VA. and served as the music director there for many years. She was devoted to her husband and family, and helped on their farm until the last few years of her life. She loved music and singing, and especially enjoyed singing with her brothers earlier in life. She loved gardening and was a wonderful cook, and she could fix a gourmet meal and apple pies for a huge group in record time. She adored and kept her grandchildren often, and they all loved going to visit and stay with her. In later years, she and Luther enjoyed traveling and took many trips across the country in their motor home and visited every state in the United States. She was a gentle loving woman, she always put others first, and she was a wonderful example to all her knew her. On her behalf, many thanks are sent to her family, faithful friends, and church family for their love, friendship, and caring throughout her life and also for the visits, prayers, cards, gifts, and love sent to her while she was ill. Your many kindnesses were a blessing. The family also wishes to thank special hospice worker Mary Simpkins, for the loving care she provided to Kathleen this past year. Memorial gifts in her honor may be made to Monte Vista Church of the Brethren, 25 Wades Gap Road, Callaway, VA 24067. The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 20, from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Conner Bowman Funeral Home, Rt. 220 Rocky Mount. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday at Monte Vista Church of the Brethren with Pastor Jimmy Robinson officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Arrangements by Conner - Bowman Funeral Home & Crematory, Route 220 @ Wirtz Rd., Rocky Mount, Va. 540- 334-5151 www.connerbowman.com