Donald and Orla Gray

DONALD DEAN GRAY

ORLA RUTH GRAY

Cedar Rapids

Orla Ruth Gray and Donald Dean Gray of Miami, Okla., went to be with the Lord just hours apart, after short illnesses. Orla, 90, passed away Monday evening, Sept. 12, 2016. Donald, 85, joined her early Wednesday morning, Sept. 14, 2016, both passing at Eastwood Manor in Commerce, Okla.

Orla was born Aug. 28, 1926, in Ashton, Ill., to Orno and Ruth (Fackler) Kersten. She attended college at Iowa State, obtaining her bachelor's degree in education. She taught school in Washington, Newton, Cedar Rapids and Burlington, as well as Fort Knox, Ky.

Donald was born Oct. 18, 1930, in Washington, Iowa, to Harold and Goldie (Crossett) Gray. After graduating high school, he proudly served his country with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He served as administrator of Geneva Tower for 21 years. He was also in store management for Montgomery Ward for many years.

Donald and Orla were married on Aug. 6, 1950, in Ashton. The couple made their home in Cedar Rapids, where they were active members of the Immanuel Baptist Church for over 50 years, teaching children and adults Sunday school and Bible study, which they dearly loved. They later relocated to Miami, Okla., to be close to their family. While living in Miami, they actively attended the First Christian Church.

Donald and Orla leave behind a legacy of survivors including daughter Francine (Gray) Ogle and husband Kirk of Miami; two granddaughters, Shelby (Ogle) DeSha and husband Kris, and Dori Ogle; and one great-granddaughter, Miley Marie DeSha. Donald is also survived by several brothers and sisters.

In keeping with Donald and Orla's wishes, no services will be held. They will be laid to rest in a private burial at Cedar Memorial Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, under the direction of Cedar Memorial Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.