Evelyn Irene Gray

Birth: October 25, 1925 | Died: April 20, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Evelyn Irene Gandy Gray, who departed this life peacefully on April 20, 2025, in Anaheim, California, at the age of 99.

Evelyn was born on October 25, 1925, in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, California, the cherished daughter of Naomi and Wallace Gandy. She was part of the Greatest Generation. After graduating from high school, she attended business school and later worked for Armour & Co.

In 1947, she married Duke Gray, the love of her life, and together they raised five children: Duke Jr., Linda Ann, Rebecca Marie, Dora Jeanne, and Mary Jane. Evelyn dedicated her life to her family and to creating a loving home. She was an outstanding cook who made everything from scratch. When her children were young, she enjoyed sewing for them.

She loved animals, and over the years she had dogs, cats, a bird, and even a horse. One day, while hanging laundry, a bird landed on her shoulder. She named it Pretty Bird, and it quickly became part of the family — a testament to her kindness. Later in life, she met and fell in love with a very special boxer named Sadie, who gave her many years of loving, attentive companionship.

Evelyn worked for the county for a decade, diligently saving her money. Her careful planning allowed her to purchase a motorhome, and in 1991, she and Duke set off on a months-long adventure across the country — all the way from California to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. They also enjoyed meeting up with like-minded friends in Death Valley and became members of a private mountain resort where she cherished time spent with family.

She took up the hobby of crochet and lovingly created a personalized blanket for each member of her family. Evelyn loved a good western, reading her Bible, starting her day with a homemade biscuit, and treating herself to her favorite See’s candy in the afternoon. She remained active and lived independently in her own home until the age of 95.

A woman of unwavering Christian faith, Evelyn worked tirelessly to instill those values in her children. Her faith was her foundation and her strength throughout her life.

A special thank you goes to her daughter, Mary Ortiz, who lovingly cared for her mother in her home over the past four years, providing comfort and support until the very end.

Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents, Naomi and Wallace Gandy; her brother, Wayne; her husband, Duke Gray; and her beloved son, Duke Jr. She is survived by her daughters Linda Ann (Howard), Rebecca Marie, Dora Jeanne (Michael), and Mary Jane (Rico); her sister, Marianne Swancutt; and many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A witness burial will take place on Friday, June 6, at 11:30 a.m. at Riverside National Cemetery. There will be no service at the time of burial.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 7, at 11:00 a.m. at Hilgenfeld Mortuary in Anaheim, California, followed by a reception at the home of Mary Ortiz.

Evelyn’s gentle heart, enduring faith, and devotion to her family will be remembered always. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.