Joann Gray

JoAnn Westhafer Gray was born May 23, 1930, to Hiram and Mollie (Parrish) Westhafer in Iola, Kansas. JoAnn departed this life on December 11, 2022, in Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 92 years, 6 months, and 18 days with her daughter, Diana, by her side.

JoAnn grew up in Michigan City, Indiana, and later moved to Doniphan, Missouri, where she graduated from Doniphan High School in 1949. JoAnn was united in marriage to Clifford Aaron Tipton on December 25, 1948. To this union two children, Diana and David, were born. After the tragic death of Clifford in 1955, JoAnn moved to California with her children where they lived in Glendale and West Covina. JoAnn married Theo Denmark in 1960. In 1963, the family moved to Macomb, Missouri, where Theo passed away later that year. Then on June 2, 1964, JoAnn was united in marriage to Ernie Gray. Shortly thereafter, Ernie adopted Diana and David and provided a loving and stable home for JoAnn and her children on his dairy farm in Macomb.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents; three husbands; grandsons, Matthew and Jason Amos; stepson, Bill Gray; baby brother, Charles F. Westhafer; and sisters, Vivian Gumns, Helen Parker, Dorothy Leach MacDonald, and Marjorie Howe.

JoAnn is survived by her daughter, Diana Amos, and husband, Gary, of Lebanon, Missouri; son, David Gray and wife, Sondra, of Mansfield, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Naomi Gray, of Mansfield, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Susie Dodds, of Macomb, Missouri; stepson, Boyd Gray, of Mountain Grove, Missouri; grandchildren, Aaron (Tiffany) Gray, Carrie (Kendall) Keith, Joshua (Stephanie) Amos, Kevin Gray, David (Rhonda) Gray, Kris (April) Gray, Carolyn Dixon, Amy (Joey) Dodd, John Gray, and Jenny Gray; 20 great- grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; along with a host of family and friends, including the staff of the Hartville Care Center. The family cannot thank them enough for their love and dedication to JoAnn during her years with them.

JoAnn made her profession of faith as a little girl and was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. She was an active member of the Mansfield United Methodist Church where she served the church in many capacities including church board secretary, MYF leader, Sunday school superintendent, and Sunday school teacher.

A point of pride for JoAnn was her membership in the Eastern Star in which she was a member for 61 years. During this time she traveled to a number of places and befriended many. The family knew she was serious about her membership when on one occasion she got Ernie off the farm and in a black tuxedo to accompany her to an event. JoAnn was a dedicated member, holding many positions throughout her years including Worthy Matron, District Deputy Grand Matron, Grand Adah for Missouri, and Grand Representative for Saskatchewan, Canada. She was also a member of Jerry’s Whirlwinds and the Macomb Sunshine Club. JoAnn also loved collecting pitchers, many of which she got on Eastern Star trips. In total she had a collection in her living room of over 300 pitchers. She also loved Betty Boop and Shirley Temple and collected a variety of things relating to them.

Despite being widowed at an early age, JoAnn worked hard to make a life for her children. She worked for the telephone company as an operator while in Glendale, California, and later worked for the MFA Feed Store in Mansfield, the Wright County Courthouse, and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home as a tour guide and later bookstore manager. In her spare time JoAnn volunteered as a hospital auxiliary worker in the Mansfield Hospital.

JoAnn loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. A lifetime of memories were made on trips both long and short - from camping in the mountains and beach visits while in California to Silver Dollar City, Dogpatch USA, the World's Fair, Laura Ingalls Wilder home sites, concerts, circuses, and the annual trip with the grandkids to Springfield to watch a movie on New Year’s Eve and back home for sparkling grape juice at midnight. JoAnn’s enduring optimism was her trademark throughout her life and despite the turmoil she faced at times, her smile and laughter were ever present. Her ability to see the positive in any situation was a blessing to those who knew her. Our loss is certainly Heaven’s gain. JoAnn will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.