Dorothy Lee Wray was born on Aug 23, 1928 to Guy and Ardella (Spellman) Gallagher in Springfield, MO, where she lived her entire 95 years until she left this earth on Jan 5, 2024. She was a lifelong member of Woodland Heights Presbyterian Church. She was happily married to James (Jimmy) Wray for 62 years until his death in 2008.  Dorothy was a full-time loving wife and the best mother ever until her children were well along in school. She then worked as an administrative clerk for Springfield Public Schools until her retirement in 1988.

Dorothy will be remembered by many for her kind heart and patient, gentle presence. She and Jimmy were blessed with two children and were especially delighted to have three wonderful grandchildren and two great-grandsons.  She had a special place in her heart for their pets throughout the years and leaves behind her beloved cat, Angel. After retiring, Jimmy and Dorothy traveled to virtually all of the 50 states, many national parks and even ventured as far as Alaska and parts of Canada. They frequently enjoyed camping in the Ozarks and going to Silver Dollar City. 

Dorothy and her family were richly blessed by and will be forever grateful to her longtime friend, neighbor, and loving caregiver, Anita Gray. She made it possible for Dorothy to live out her days in her home, kept us all laughing, and called Dorothy her second mama.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James (Jimmy) Wray; son, James (Jim) Wray Jr; and her sisters, Thelma McConnell, Geraldine Brake and Norma Fergerson. She is survived by her daughter, Jan (Mike) Morgan; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Wray; grandchildren, Sarah Wray, Christopher Wray and Hannah (Kip) Kudron; great-grandsons, Hunter and Declan Raymond; sister-in-law, Betty Fuzzell; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Dorothy’s life at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 7, 2024, at Woodland Heights Presbyterian Church, 722 W Atlantic St in Springfield.  A 15 minute slideshow will be shown prior to and following the service. All are encouraged to bring a favorite memory of Dorothy to share. Jimmy and Dorothy are again and forever together at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you honor Dorothy by paying forward the love and kindness she so freely gave to all.  Donations are not requested but those who wish may make remembrances to Watching Over Whiskers (WOW) or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield, Missouri.