Barbara A. Gray

November 7, 1949 - January 23, 2020

Barbara A. Gray, 70, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at Munson Hospice House. Barb was born on November 7, 1949 in Columbus, Ohio to the late Paul and Ruth (Pickens) Kautz. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Before her retirement, Barb was a registered nurse at Munson Medical Center. She was also an E.M.T. Specialist with Grand Traverse Metro and Green Lake Township Fire Department and Ambulance Rescue. She was an E.M.T. Instructor-Coordinator, a C.P.R. Instructor and Fire Fighter. Barb was a member of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses, and also a member of the Society of Instructor / Coordinators with Battalion #4 of Grand Traverse County. She was involved in the National Head Injury Alliance and locally supported victims of brain injury. She had a deep love for animals and rescued many of her pets over the course of her life. Barbara will always be remembered for her care and compassion towards both people and animals. Barb is survived by two daughters; Maya (Tony) Watrous and Shan Bowens and a son, Chay (Holly) Gray. She held a special place in her heart for her grandson, Carter Kassab. Also surviving are her brother, Richard Kautz, her sister, Jill (Kenneth) Burkholder and special friends, Priscilla (Tim) Kellogg. Friends are welcome to visit with Barb’s family from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3746 Veterans Dr., Traverse City, MI 49684. A funeral service honoring Barbara will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Burial will follow in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to the Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Rd., Traverse City, MI 49696 or the ASPCA, www.aspca.org/ways-to-give, ASPCA Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 96929, Washington D.C., 20077-7127 Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Barb’s family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.