Pernel Gray Obituary

Milton, WI - Pernel M. Gray (Penny), age 98, passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at Our House Assisted Living in Janesville, WI. She was born in Beloit, WI on June 12, 1926, the daughter of George and Louise (Zehren) Smith. Soon after she was born, Penny's family moved to a farm in Milton, WI. Education for Penny started in a one-room schoolhouse called the Vickerman Grade School. She graduated from Milton Union High School in 1943. Penny found passion in caring for others by graduating from St. Joseph's School of Nursing in Chicago, IL in 1947 with her RN license. She stayed in Chicago for many years after graduating as a private care nurse and found a true admiration for the area which continued through her whole life. She shared many trips and experiences with her family and friends for years beyond her time living there. She married the love of her life, Robert Gray, on February 24, 1951 in Milton Junction, WI. Bob and Penny met at a Legion Dance in Whitewater, WI while she was home from school for just a weekend. They both loved to dance and spun the floor for many years, even celebrating more than 70 years of marriage before Bob's passing in 2021. Penny worked at Mercy Hospital starting in 1951 but soon left to care for her 3 children. After the kids were older, Penny returned to the work force and was employed at Edgerton Hospital, Fort Atkinson Hospital 1962-1966, Pinehurst Tuberculosis Sanitarium, and finally the Rock County Health Care Center for 18 years before retiring in 1985. Becoming a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church in 1951 brought Penny to many groups including St. Monica's, St. Martha's, and The Belles of St. Mary's. Other groups she participated in are the German Interest Group, The Questers, Oral History Group, and the 500 Marathon. Penny was a dedicated volunteer at the Milton House Museum as a docent. Vast interests beyond her groups kept her busy including music, reading, theatre, travel, history, and genealogy. Adventures within the US and international were near and dear to Penny including the opportunity to go to the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, and Germany to visit relatives and see where her ancestors had lived. Gardening and house plants were plentiful and always decorated with her favorite snails. She prided herself on baking, especially making pies! Penny's grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her so much joy and the biggest smile to her face! Her favorite quote will always echo in our hearts "Thank you Jesus for yesterday, today, and hopefully tomorrow."

Penny is survived by her 3 children: Jeanne (Bill) Wallisch, Kenneth Gray, and Gerianne Gray; 3 grandchildren: Kyle (Mary) Wallisch, Kory (Pamela) Wallisch, and Katie (Matthew) Huber; 6 great grandchildren: Colton, Kaleb, Liberty, Faith, Owen, and Karson; brother Nivard (Carol) Smith along with many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Gray, parents George and Louise Smith, parents-in-law Winfred and Myrtle Gray, brother Vincent (Mary) Smith, brother-in-law Ralph (Shirley) Gray, sister-in-law Virginia (Wesley) Hare and very special relative Helen (Harpy) Wilderman who she considered a sister.

A funeral service of Catholic Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday August 28, 2024 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Milton, WI with Patrick Wendler officiating. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of service at the Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church 837 Parkview Drive Milton, WI 53563. The family would like to thank the staff at Our House Assisted Living and Rainbow Hospice for their care and support. Albrecht Funeral Home, Milton is assisting the family. www.albrechtfunerlahomes.com