Anna Lenz Gray

Anna Lenz Gray, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in Rochelle, Illinois. She was a woman of deep warmth, quiet strength, and unwavering love, whose life was centered around what mattered most to her: family.

She was the beloved wife of the late George Gray, her partner in life and love until his passing in 2008. Together, they built a home filled with kindness, laughter, and traditions that live on through the generations.

Anna was the proud and loving mother of five daughters: the late Mary, Rita, Sandra (the late John), Kathy, and Vicki (the late Danny). She leaves behind ten grandchildren—Stanley, Mark, David, Mary (Eddie), Patrick, George (Kelly), and John (Kristin); fifteen great-grandchildren—Dylan, Lucyana, Aaron, Nathyn, Brianna, Alyssa, Kayden, Jazzmyn (Jeremy), the late Georgy, Danny, Trystan, Gianna, John III, and Ethan; two great-great-grandchildren, Floyd and Wayne; she also had a special place in her heart for her “grand-cats,” the late Elvis and Priscilla, whose companionship brought her comfort and joy.. Her family was her joy, her pride, and her life’s greatest blessing.

Anna had a gift for creating comfort. She was an avid crocheter, and her handmade creations—blankets, scarves, and keepsakes—became cherished symbols of her love and care. Her hands worked tirelessly to bring warmth to those she loved.

She also had a fondness for Bingo, and her Wednesday outings with daughter Kathy were a highlight of her week. By Sunday, she was already eagerly talking about the next game. But it wasn’t about the winnings—it was about the joy of tradition, time together, and being part of something she truly loved.

Another favorite pastime of Anna’s was playing cards, especially the family-favorite game, Phase 10. Though she rarely won, she played with laughter and spirit. As time passed and her strength waned, there came a point when she could no longer hold the cards herself. But on a very special day—her great-grandson Ethan’s third birthday—surrounded by family and love, Anna found the strength to hold her cards once again. To everyone’s surprise and delight, she won the game. It was a beautiful moment of joy, resilience, and triumph—one that will remain a treasured memory for all who were there.

Anna’s favorite color was green, a reflection of her nurturing heart and the peace she brought into every space.

Her story now finds its peaceful close, but the love she gave so freely lives on—in the traditions she began, the games she played, the warmth she created, and the family that will carry her memory forward with every laugh, every stitch, and every card game.

Every night before bed, Anna would say, “Goodnight, I love you, and thank you.” Kathy would always reply, “Ditto.” And Anna, with a smile, would say, “Ditto, ditto, ditto.”

Goodnight, Anna. We love you. And thank you. Ditto, ditto, ditto.