Lorena I. Gray, age 80 of Old Ripley, IL, died Saturday, October 19, 2024, at her home.

She was born on Saturday, January 1, 1944, in Dayton, OH, the daughter of  Raymond and Geraldine (nee Edingfield) Shanks.

On Tuesday, December 18, 1979, at Urasoe City, Okinowa, Japan, she married Irving L.  Gray, who survives.

She was a member of Salem United Church of Christ, Alhambra, IL, and Bond County Farm Bureau.

Lorena, grew up in Xenia, Ohio and attended Xenia schools.  Following graduation she earned a business degree from Miami Jacobs College. She worked at the Air Force Logistics Command Headquarters at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Fairborn, Ohio, eventually becoming a member of the Commanders staff, planning trips, conferences and distinguished visitor meetings.  While in this job she earned a master's degree in Logistics Management and Supervision from Central Michigan University.  In 1979, she left Wright Patterson to go to Okinawa, and married Irving.  At the end of their tour in Japan the Gray's moved to Scott AFB, IL.  While there Lorena achieved a dream, unable to bear children, Lorena and Irving adopted three children from the same family.  She also achieved a second dream by buying a farm.  The Gray's subsequently moved to New Jersey, South Carolina, and back to Wright Patterson AFB where Irving retired.  They returned to their farm in Illinois where they eventually built their own house.  They raised calves until a storm with straight line winds destroyed their outbuildings.  In her youth, Lorena was active in 4-H.  Lorena is an accomplished seamstress, cook and could milk a cow.

Survivors include her loving husband , Irving L. Gray, Old Ripley, IL; sons: Jason (Alana) Gray, Keller, TX;  Brian (Sarah) Gray, Chesapeake, VA;  and Jonathon (Coleen) Gray, Dickson, TN; daughter: Jodi (Tony Renta) Busch, Dickson, TN;

six grandchildren and sisters:  Nancy E. (Joe Brohas) Hess, Centerville, OH and Kathy D. (John) Mixon, Riverside, OH.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Pamela A. Bright.

Visitation will be held 10 AM Thursday, October 31, 2024 at McColaugh Funeral Home, 826 N. Detroit St, Xenia, Ohio.

Memorial Service will begin at 10:30 AM Thursday, October 31, 2024 at the funeral home with interment immediately following at Woodland Cemetery in Xenia, OH.

Memorial contributions may be made to Highland Lions Club or Salem United Church of Christ.