Olene Florence Gray

GRAY, Olene Florence

Olene Florence Gray (nee Arnestad) was born on April 4, 1928 to Olaf and Nellie (Stagg) Arnestad in Claresholm.  She passed away in Claresholm, AB on Sunday, May 21, 2017 at the age of 89 years. 

Olene attended school in Claresholm.  She went to Henderson Business College in Calgary and worked for CIBC in the bond department.  She met Jim Gray at a dance and they were married December 14, 1949.  They moved out to the Gray ranch on Meadow Creek, where she was able to reside until the last few months.
Olene was active in the Anglican church and the Meadow Creek Ladies club, and enjoyed arts and crafts like Artex and crocheting.  She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.   Olene was a great example of hospitality, opening her home to many over the years.  She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Olene will be lovingly remembered by her children, Lynell (John) Scott, Nancy Maluga, Syd (Sheila) Gray, Michael (Dawn) Gray, Jimmy (Shuang) Gray, and Gordon (Betty) Gray; grandchildren, Kathy (Richard) Watton, Frederick Scott, Brad (Crystal) Scott, Elizabeth (Glen) Heth, Robert Scott, Susannah Scott (Scott Angus), Neil (Chandra) Gray, Alexa (Adam) Mensaghi, Lauren, Andrew , William, Stephanie, and John Gray, Philip (Emily) Gray-Root, AJ, Chet, Levi and Oscar Gray; 6 great-grandchildren, Ebony and Marshall Gray; Eva, Leah, and Blaise Mensaghi; Rosie Heth; her sister, Lois Symonds; sisters-in-law, Nancy Larbalestier and Ada Gray; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Olaf and Nellie Arnestad; brother, Carl Arnestad; husband, Jim Gray; uncle, Lorne Stagg; son, Philip; 1 still-born infant; son-in-law, Walter Maluga; nephew, Douglas Symonds, and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law.

Interment will be held at the Granum Cemetery on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 10:30 am.

A Celebration of Olene’s Life will be held at the St. John’s Anglican Church, Claresholm, AB on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 2:00 pm with luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Olene’s memory to S.T.A.R.S., Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 8M7.