Mary Kathryn Gray

Mary Kathryn Tharp was born to John and Mary Tharp on March 12, 1929 in Griggsville, Illinois, and departed this earth on April 21, 2022 at the age of 93. She married Doyle L. Gray on June 13, 1948 and was married for 44 years before his death in 1992. She worked for the Kroger grocery store for over 20 years as a checker and later in the floral department where she had a natural gift for making beautiful arrangements.

Friends and family described Mary as funny, caring, sassy, nurturing, quick witted, positive, stylish, charming, definitely one of a kind!

Mary was a willing host of any party, big or small. She was energized by social interaction as were others with her fun loving, contagious personality. She loved music and singing and was a member of Sweet Adeline’s in Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri.

Mary was always up for a good joke, a good card game, especially Bridge, anything with the color blue, a slice of coconut cream pie, or an occasional Seagram’s 7&7… and there was no ailment a “Hot Toddy” couldn’t cure.

Her two favorite phrases were “Hot Damn” and “You bet your bippi”

Out of all the things Mary loved in life, none were more important and precious to her than time spent with her late husband, two children, six grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.

She leaves behind Larry L Gray (Beverly Gray), Sherie L Ford (Wayne Ford), Andy Dean (Dawn Dean), Melinda Swingle, Amy Rodriguez (Ricardo Rodriguez), Brandon Ford (Jenifer Calhoun), Garrett Ford (Chrissy Ford),Kaylee Vazquez (Isaac Vazquez) Kaleigh Swingle,Olivia Rodriguez,Christian Rodriguez, Parker Ford, Oliver Vazquez, Eisley Vazquez,Kaleigh Swingle ,Grace Dean and Emma Dean. Also one sibling Charles Tharp.

She was preceded in death by her husband Doyle Gray, Parents Mary Tharp & John Tharp, siblings Lettie Speelman, Helen Nance, and Bill Tharp

Please consider a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Research in her name in lieu of flowers.

A short graveside tribute will be held on Monday June 13th, at 10:30AM at the White Chapel Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri.