Wilma Darlene (Carlson) Gray

In Loving Memory of

Wilma Darlene Gray

Wilma Darlene (Carlson) Gray was born on the family farm in Murray County, Minnesota on September 9, 1933, to Oscar Lenard and Violet Mae (Coyle) Carlson.  She grew up on the family farm ten miles north of Slayton, MN.  Her schooling included District #89 Country School and Tracy High School.  On November 19, 1950, she was united in marriage to Charles Gray, Sr. at the First Congregational Church in Garvin, MN.  While Charles was serving his country in Korea, Wilma was home raising chickens and was able to save enough money to aid in building a new home on the family farm site.  In 1958 they moved to a farm near Heron Lake, MN where they resided for five years before returning to Slayton.  In 1983, they purchased the Country Host and Truck Stop.  They ran this business until 1989.  They then moved to an Angus cow/calf farm in Cameron, MO. In 2004, they retired in Slayton.  Retirement did not last long as Charles and Wilma decided to purchase rental properties in Slayton.  Wilma passed away unexpectedly at the age of 88 on December 16, 2021after surgery at the Sanford Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.  She was a member of United Methodist Church in Slayton, taught Sunday School and belonged to UMC Women.  She also was a member of the Mason Belles Extension Club, Royal Neighbors of America, and an active 4-H leader.  As a young girl, fishing, camping, 4-H, roller skating and dancing at Valhalla were her likes.  She won many baking and canning prizes with the Lake Sarah 4-H club.  She later enjoyed spending time with her family, showing cattle, attending fairs, and traveling with her partner, Charles, for sixty-seven years.  Most recently, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her greatest enjoyment as well as playing cards, watching Hallmark movies, the Twins, and the Vikings.  Wilma was a "Jill of all Trades".  Whatever it took, she used her skills working side by side with Charles to achieve the best for her family.

Survivors include three children, Charles Gray, Jr. and Deana Bashor of Cameron, MO, Sharon and James Gerber of Slayton, MN, and Nancy Nasers of Sibley, IA; daughter-in-law Debra Gray of Cameron, MO; grandchildren, Crystalline Gray, Bobbe Gray and Keegan Moonen, Jesse Gray, Nicole and Nathan Honan, Jerred Gray, Cody and Natalie Gerber, Chelsey and Keith Carlson, Melissa and Adam Norby, Lindsayand Brian Watterson, Colton and Catherine Nasers, and Colin Nasers; great-grandchildren Koy and Elle Moonen, Jakob and Jenna Gray, Addie, Brewer and Chet Honan, Abriel Bonnstetter and Gage Gerber, Rhett and Remi Carlson, Caroline and Halsten Norby, Peyton, Emma and Charles Watterson; extended family grandchildren Nathaan Johnston, and Dallas Fox, Kim Gerber, Mike and Kimberlee Gerber; extended family great-grandchildren Daylen, Laney and Dawson Brown and Liberty Nerling; sister Wava Vickerman and sister-in-law Mary Carlson, and many nieces and nephews and their families.  She is preceded in death by her parents; son David Gray; parents-in law George and Ruth Gray; three brothers: Wayne and his wives Irma and Rosemary, Willard and his wives Mavis and Jay, and Wesley; brother-in-law James Vickerman.

Memorial Services

United Methodist Church in Slayton, MN on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Ethanie Schmidt officiating.  The organist is Janet Voges.  The honorary pallbearers are Jesse Gray, Jerred Gray, Cody Gerber, Colton Nasers and Colin Nasers.  Interment is at Slayton Memorial Gardens in Slayton, MN.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at the Totzke Funeral Home in Slayton from 4-7 p.m. and also one hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday. 

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