Anna Johnson Gray

Anna “Ann” Johnson Gray passed away on March 9, 2016 at Queen Creek, Arizona. She was born May 27, 1914 to Andrew Johnson and Annie Neilson Johnson, in Woodrow, Idaho, at their family ranch homesteaded owned by her parents and located deep in the lavas between Hamer and Rexburg. Born a sickly child, she was not expected to live past two years old, but lived to be almost 102. Because of her life threatening sickness, she was given a quick blessing and lived a healthy, happy life thereafter. Her early life was spent largely on the “Butte Ranch” now a Wild Life Refuge, located about a mile north of the Menan Snake River Bridge, where she and her four sisters worked the ranch, riding her father’s renowned quarter horses and living a carefree, happy life; never a cross word coming from her beloved father and mother. She was known for her unsurpassed skill with horses. And although petite, standing at 5’ 1” and 110 pounds, she had superb wrestling abilities; holding down men nearly three times her size. She was also extremely fleet of foot, and was known for accepting a challenge of a Midway High School track star, leaving him in her dust. On April 18, 1932 she Married James “Jim” Gray; their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on March 29, 1950. They were blessed with five children; Ralph Gray, Darlene Gray, Nadine Ramos, Karma Grimm, and Marsha Dayton. Nadine and Darlene preceded her in death. Because of Nadine’s severe illness, almost from childbirth, Jim and Ann later lovingly adopted and raised Nadine’s young children, Brian Gray and Lisa Bean. Known for her utter selflessness, she and Jim made their home available to countless people during their lifetimes. She is survived by her children, 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren, all who love her beyond words and will greatly miss her unremitting, selfless service and love for each of them. She was preceded by her parents, Andrew and Annie Johnson, her husband, Jim Gray who passed away on October 7, 1980, and her daughters, Nadine Ramos and Darlene Gray. A graveside service will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the Annis Little Butte Cemetery. Services are under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby.