On Tuesday, April 7, 2020, Jane Snyder Gray, our loving Mother and Grandmother, passed away at the Silver City Care Center with her family by her side. Jane was born April 23, 1927, in Luna, New Mexico, to Vain and Clara Snyder. She was raised in the Luna Valley, what she described as "God's Country."
Her passion, and indeed her life's work, was teaching children. Her first experience teaching was during World War II, when there was a shortage of teachers. She was called upon, at the age of 16, to teach in Reserve, NM, through a special wartime program. This experience convinced her that teaching was her path. She went on to graduate from New Mexico Western College with a master's degree in Education. Her first teaching job was in Holbrook, Arizona. She later transferred to Hatch, NM, and it was during this time that she met her husband William C. Gray, Sr. She began working at Santa Rita Elementary teaching 4th grade and eventually became the principal. When Santa Rita Elementary was closed, she transferred to Bayard Elementary as the principal and completed her 34-year career in education there.
She was well known for her work in the community, a member of the LDS Church and her service in Eastern Star. After she retired from teaching, she and her husband Bill traveled extensively attending Eastern Star events around New Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. She enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, and playing Solitaire during her down time. She was always a rock and very supportive of her family, especially the grandkids.
She was preceded in death by her husband Bill and her sons, Cecil, Richard and grandson Chris. She is survived by her son Chuck Gray and his wife Helen of Bayard; daughter-in-law Ale Gray of Luna and daughter-in-law Kathy Black of Truro, MA; grandsons, Byron, Ricky, Ben, Michael and Richard; and granddaughters Tracey and Cassandra, along with many great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held in Luna at a later date.
Special thanks to Bishop Roth and the Women's Relief Society of the 3rd Ward of the LDS Church of Silver City. Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory, "Trusted care for the ones you love." 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.