Mary Frances Gray

Mary Frances Gray, age 97, passed away at her home and went to Heaven on September 16, 2013. She was surrounded by her loving and devoted family. Mary was born on September 3, 1916 in St. Luke's Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. She was the daughter of Louise Bosz Hackethal, born in 1887 and Charles Henry Hackethal, born in 1886. Her great-grandfather, Henry Richard Webb, died in the Civil War. Mary's grandmother, Mary Frances Webb, who was ten years old at the time, then became an orphan. Mary is survived by a daughter, Carolyn Denise Temple; son-in-law, Stephen Peter Temple; a son, Ralph Emerson Gray Jr.; daughter-in-law Starlette Gray and Dorothy Gray. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Charles Ralph Temple, Barbara May Temple, Christopher Anthony Gray and Jennifer Williams and two great-granddaughters: Emily Gray and Madilyn Gray. She ia also survived by loving nieces: Janet Hartzel & Dana Hackethal Hagan; and nephews: Robert Hartzel, John Hartzel and many more. Mary was preceded in death by her adoring husband of 45 years, Ralph Emerson Gray on Father's Day 2000. Also preceding Mary was her wonderful sister-in-law, Lorraine Gray Hartzel on Mother's Day 2011. Mary was a World War II young widow (James Klein) and then married Rudolph Fries, who died of a brain tumor after a very short time. Mary met the love of her life, Ralph Emerson Gray at General Steel Industries in Granite City, Illinois and married him in 1955. She had children at the age of 39 and 41 and they and her husband were her life. She also took care of her own mother for 20 years. She was a wonderful mother, sister and grandmother. Mary was the most loving, generous and humble person. Her father died when her younger brother, David Webb Hackethal was 14 years old and she sacrificed to help raise him and always helped him throughout his life. Mary was preceded in death by her brothers: David Webb Hackethal in 2010 and Charles Peter Hackethal in 1968. Mary was the secretary to the President at General Steel Industires for 18 years and a devoted homemaker. She moved to North Redington Beach with her family in 1970 and opened her home to everyone. In 2011, she moved to Celebration, FL with her daughter, Carolyn, son-in-law Stephen, grandson Charles and granddaughter Barbara. She has lived with them for the past 13 years. Mary was a member of St. Judes Catholic Cathedral in St. Peteresburg and deeply loved and trusted God. She was a beautiful person and greatly loved.

Mary Frances Gray

September 3, 1916 - September 16, 2013