Helen Hale Gray

We'll Love You for Always

Our sweet mom, Helen Hale Gray, transcended from our arms into the waiting arms of her heavenly family who have been standing close by on the ready to receive her. Our beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and teacher passed away Friday May 20, 2022, in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Our beautiful mother is now united with her eternal family having been sealed for time and all eternity to Dr. Robert (Bob) Mack Gray, Sr., on January 7, 1947, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Bob always said that Helen, who he affectionately called “H”, has a special sparkle that lights up every room when she enters it and that he married the “prettiest little gal in Idaho". Her legacy of eternal hope, finding joy in everyday life, facing every challenge with faith that the way will be provided, and grounded in her unshakable faith in Our Heavenly Father’s Plan of Happiness made possible by the Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ will always remain in our hearts and help us to be better people.

She was born in Oakley, Idaho March 11, 1926 to Albert Hale and Lucille Pettigrew. She graduated from Oakley High School and participated in everything, including majorette baton twirler for the marching band, school plays, and cheerleader. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Utah over several years taking classes during her lunch breaks. She worked in the Office of the President of the University of Utah as an administrative assistant for Academic and Financial Planning. She also took tap and ballet lessons up until she retired and continued her active lifestyle with 5:30 a.m. aerobics classes and aerobic swimming classes. She probably should have honorary bachelor’s and master’s Degrees from the University of Utah and an honorary Doctorate Degree in Social Psychology from the University of Chicago from helping our dad complete his papers and typing them up.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ meant everything to her, and she studied its precepts diligently throughout her life. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she served in many capacities including Relief Society Presidencies, Young Women’s, Primary and teaching the Gospel Doctrine class with our dad for many years.

Survived by her two sons, Michael (Kathryn), and Steven (Rachel); two daughters, Linda Gray, and Susie (Steve) Knott; grandchildren and great-grand-children; and a sister, Martha Bench. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband; mother and father; 11 brothers and sisters; son, Robert Gray Jr and his wife Elaine and their son-in-law Rob Sieber’s; grandson, Christopher Gray; all of whom are anxiously preparing to meet her again.

The family expresses deep appreciation for the loving care provided by the Utah Home Health &Hospice, Escalante Coventry staff and caregivers who attended to her every need and treated her like she was a queen. Also, thanks to the Aspen Ridge East Care Team who cared for her with kindness and brought happiness to her as they laughed together.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 27, 2022, at 11:30 a.m., at the Cottonwood Heights Stake Center, 6890 Whitmore Way, Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84121. Loved ones and friends may come for the viewing on Friday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the Stake Center. Interment, Farmington City Cemetery.