Dorothy Jean Gray

DOROTHY JEAN GRAY, 92, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, formerly of Chester, Illinois, went to her heavenly home peacefully on Friday, July 19, 2019at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, IA with her daughters, Nancy and Sally, by her side.

She was born to the late Marshall and Adeline (nee Crittenden) Lochhead on April 15, 1927 in Chester, Illinois.

Dorothy graduated from Chester High School in 1944, where she was crowned May Queen.

She married Nathaniel Gray and she was the proud mother of 4 children.

After raising her 4 children in the Midwest, Dorothy’s adventurous spirit took her to San Francisco. Arriving with only a dog and a suitcase. Dorothy went to work at the age when most people think of retirement. She worked tirelessly and very successfully until the age of 79. Most notably for Hellman Friedman, where she was known as “the voice of Hellman Friedman,” She took great pride in her work and loved fielding calls from all over the world.

Given Dorothy’s passion of music, dancing and the arts; it was ironic that her boss, banjo-playing hillbilly billionaire Warren Hellman sponsored his own annual massive music festival in Golden Gate Park called “Hardly Strictly.”

After retirement, Dorothy entered the world of dog shows with her 2 much loved Irish setters, Omega and Prince. Together they traveled all around the country. Her favorite hound Omega made it to the prestigious Westminster in New York City.

In light of her deep affinity for space exploration, it was very befitting that Dorothy passed away on the day before the moon landing anniversary.

Dorothy had returned to Chester from 2010 until 2017.

Survivors:

3 Children: Nancy Augustine

Ned Gray

Sally Hauer

9 Grandchildren

12 Great Grandchildren

Preceded in death by: Parents, 1 Daughter – Janet “Jan” Gray

Funeral Service: 11:00 am, Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois

Interment: Evergreen Cemetery

Chester, Illinois

Visitation: Tuesday – 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois

Memorials: First United Methodist Church, Chester, Illinois