Gretchen L. Gray

Gretchen LaVanchee Gray was born in Wheaton, Minnesota, on December 4, 1918, the daughter of Harvey William Hof and Alma Hanson. The family moved to Southern California in 1920 where her brother, Roland Kenneth Hof was born.

Gretchen went to schools in San Fernando, California, and at an early age learned to play the violin. Gretchen’s natural talent, consistent practice, and love of music enabled her to become an accomplished violinist. She taught violin, played in local orchestras, and was the concertmistress of the Burbank Symphony Orchestra.

Upon graduating High School in 1936, Gretchen moved to Kodiak, Alaska, in 1942, where she lived for several years. Her love of Alaska led to many visits there throughout her life.

After returning to California, she met and married Patrick Harold Price in December 1944. They were divorced in 1967. Their son, Patrick Harvey Price, was born in January 1946.

In September 1967, Gretchen married Harold Gray (Hal). They both worked for the Bendix Corporation until their retirement in 1985. They moved to Grants Pass in 1986, where they enjoyed their retirement years and developed many fond friendships. Hal died in 1996.

Gretchen enjoyed going to symphonies, reading, listening to music, traveling throughout the world, and visiting with dear friends and family. She was an active member of the Lutheran Church of Grants Pass.

Gretchen is survived by son, Patrick (Charlotte); grandchildren, Kimberly Farnsworth (Russell), David Price (Leslie), and Richard Price (Marianne); and 12 great-grandchildren, all of Salt Lake City, Utah.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother.

Gretchen spent her last few years in Salt Lake City and passed away quietly on
Thursday, November 2, 2017, at the age of 98.

A funeral service will be held at Hull and Hull Mortuary, 612 N.W. A St., Grants Pass, on Monday, November 13, 2017, at 10 a.m. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral service beginning at 9 am. Interment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park.