Mary B. Gray

Mary B. Gray, 71, of Rockford, went home to our Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, September 26, 2015; after her long battle with ALS. She was born on October 9, 1943, in Owen, WI; to parents Dr. William J. and Margaret (Richter) Schade. She was a 1963 graduate of Bishop Muldoon High School. Mary was married to her loving husband, Bob, in 1963 in Rockford. Mary and Bob were faithful members of Berean Baptist Church for many years. Together they owned and operated Gray’s Lawn and Garden Center. Mary loved gardening and shopping but above all, she loved spending time with her grandkids. Mary is in God’s loving arms now, but will remain in our hearts forever.
She is survived by her husband, Robert “Bob” Gray; mother, Margaret Schade; children, Dennis (Laura) Gray, Mike Gray, James Gray; siblings, Jack (Trudy) Schade, Helen (Russ) Dennis, Linda (Kirby) Johnson, Tom (Diane) Schade, Joe Schade, Bob (Jen) Schade, Joyce (John) McBride, Roger (Judy) Schade, and Patti (Dick) Skibbe; grandchildren, Dennis (Iris) Jr., Chris, Nathan, Tyler, Brittany, Courtney, and Tiffany Gray; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mary is predeceased by her father; brother, David; and sister, Joan.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 2, 2015; at Berean Baptist Church, 5626 Safford Rd., Rockford, IL, 61101; with Pastor Mark Swanson officiating. Burial immediately following at Willwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 1, 2015; at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL, 61103; and one hour prior to service on Friday at Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The ALS Association: Greater Chicago Chapter. Funeral arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel.