On a beautiful fall evening, November 29, 2016, surrounded by her family, Imogene Helen (Nugent) Gray peacefully left this life to be with God. Imogene's greatest accomplishment was her family. It was not uncommon for her to tell you that family was a blessing, and that she had truly been blessed.

Her legacy began in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, April 17, 1924. She was the daughter of Herbert Augustus and Elmira Agnus (Olson) Nugent. Her family relocated to Joyfield Twp., Benzie County, in 1935, where she met Wendel Almon Gray. Imogene and Wendel wed on August 2, 1945, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Frankfort, MI. They moved to the farm, and for 2 years she ran it until Wendel returned home from the Army.

Wendel, at the age 43, proceeded Imogene in death. With her faith, resilience, and devotion to her family, Imogene was tireless in providing for her family, at times working 3 jobs (bookkeeper, township clerk and at the post office) and helping her family on the farm. Imogene finished her career as the Post Master in Copemish, MI.

When she wasn't working, she was spending time with her family. She always looked forward to the holidays and insisted celebrations be at " Grandma's house." Despite her working fulltime, she would take it upon herself to prepare the majority of the food for the gatherings. She was a master cook in the kitchen, always sharing her talents, her Norwegian heritage, and prized recipes with her daughters, daughters-in-laws and granddaughters. Lutefisk and Swedish meatballs are a staple every Christmas Eve.

Summers always involved camping with the family. A highlight in the summer was the annual "Gray Camping Trip" that Imogene started in 1975. It was a great family time that included card playing, cooking, snipe hunts, and lots of laughter.
When given the opportunity to travel to her country of heritage, Norway, on the event of her 80th birthday, she accepted without hesitation. She was accompanied by her 3 daughters, and it was one of her most memorable trips.

Imogene used her time and talents to also give to others. She used her sewing prowess to mentor others through 4-H for numerous years. She had a way of always making others feel important. She loved quilting for others. She lived her faith and served the Lord in many ways. She was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, enjoyed Sarah's Circle, ministering to others in prayer, and volunteering at Love Inc.


Imogene will be cherished for her loving, caring, and giving ways. She is survived by her children, Nancy (Ron) Stevens, Thomas (Cynthia Snell), Barbara (Robert) Hammond, Jack (Sharon Kelly), Karen (Chuck) Mlcek, James (Michelle Wing) and Patrick (Edie Dehnke), 19 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, her siblings Betty (Leo) Wilcox and Harry Nugent, and many dear nieces, nephews and cousins. She was proceeded in death by her husband Wendel, her parents, and sister-in-law Kit Nugent.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Michigan, especially her team, Karen, Betty, and Shelly; Dr. Messerschmidt; her special caregivers, Stevie, Bev, Jeanie, Wendi; and all the others who cared for mom during her natural, beautiful journey.

The opportunity to honor and celebrate Imogene's life will be held December 27, 2016, at 11 a.m., at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Traverse City, MI.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor can be made to Love Inc., Hospice of Michigan, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and Trinity Lutheran Church in Frankfort MI.

Imogene departed this life with the joy of witnessing those values she held dear, importance of family, compassion toward others, and sharing of blessings, living on through her children and their families. Well done, good and faithful servant. Matthew 25:21.

The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.