Alice Gray, age 94, of Rockford, Illinois passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026. She was born October 7, 1931 to Vernie and Evelyn (Deutschman) Ware in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Alice married the love of her life, Fred Gray, on June 10, 1950 and they spent 51 wonderful years together before he passed. She loved BINGO. She enjoyed camping, fishing, and cooking her famous Apple Slab. Most of all she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Alice is survived by her children, Bonnie (Royal) Taylor, Beverly Carre, and Steven (Darla) Gray; grandchildren, Dawn Derr, Lisa (Mitch) Brechon, Chris Carre, Michelle Carre, Shane (Stacy) Gray, Matt (Megan) Kiefert, and Ashley (Jason) Bragg; eighteen great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Darlene Graham, Robert (Patty) Ware, Virginia (Ted) Arnold, Harold Ware, David (Judy) Ware, Linda Kittle, and Donna Kennedy; along with sister-in-law, Vicky Ware.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Gray; son, Paul Richard Gray; grandson, Shannon Carre; parents, Vernie and Evelyn Ware; siblings, Percy Ware, Betty Ferguson, Verna (Junior) Spain, and Eddie Ware; along with brothers-in-law, Tom Graham, Terry Kittle, and Dave Kennedy; and sister-in-law, Sharon Ware.
A visitation for Alice will be held on Monday, February 16 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N Alpine Rd. Machesney Park, IL 61115 with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 am. Burial rites to follow.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the family.
