Janet Marie (Monroe) Gray

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Janet Marie (Monroe) Gray, 70, of Simms, MT passed away on January 24, 2021 with her loving husband by her side at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, MT.

Jan was born on May 1, 1950 to Shirley and Doris Monroe in Great Falls and grew up in Cut Bank, where she graduated from high school before heading to college. She earned an Associate Degree at Ricks College and then attended BYU. While at BYU, she began dating Robert Gray and became “Bobby’s Girl”. The two were married on May 29, 1971 in the Manti Temple. Together they raised four children in Simms, MT, Laini, Ryan, Melissa and Zane.

Jan was a full-time homemaker, wife, mother and grandmother.  She was actively involved in many activities that revolved around her faith, family and community.  Jan was very involved in her children’s activities, served as a 4-H leader, Cub Scout Leader and served many years as a volunteer in the Primary at her church.  As her children grew, her involvement in Junior High and High School activities increased to running her kids to and from cheerleading, basketball, football, volleyball, music and many other extracurricular activities. As a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she volunteered and served as a music leader, teacher, President, and activities coordinator in the Young Women’s and Relief Society organizations and she taught early morning seminary to high school age kids from 1992-1996.

Jan was an excellent homemaker. She was a talented cook, baker and seamstress. Jan ran her own business selling homemade, hand sewn, and hand painted crafts and decorations. She spent many hours perfecting her many talents and enjoyed the smiles her creations brought to her customers, friends and family.

Jan took great pride in the home Bob built for her. She was a decorator extraordinaire and had new décor for every season and holiday. She greatly enjoyed arranging the flowers in her garden, in her yard, on her deck and in her home. She loved hosting and planning parties. Every holiday and birthday, regardless of who it was for, was special to her and a reason to celebrate. She had a gift for making everyone feel special.

As much as this city girl at heart loved life on the ranch, Jan enjoyed traveling.  She loved to visit family and friends, see new sights and study history.  She loved to go to the movies and out to a nice dinner with friends. Jan admired the arts and enjoyed attending concerts and events at the Great Falls Civic Center.   She loved Montana and Glacier Park had a special place in her heart.

Jan was the life of the party everywhere she went. She had a flair that everyone recognized and admired. Her playful personality lit up the room and there was never a dull moment. Her laugh was contagious. As soon as you heard it, you would begin laughing even if you didn’t know why. As fun as Jan was, she was also sincere and genuine. Her acts of service were countless and priceless to those she touched.  She made sure to say hello, give a compliment and ask how you were doing.  She would hold your hand (and sometimes both) so YOU KNEW, she was really listening and really cared with her heart. She could empathize and connect with anyone and was a friend to all.

Jan is survived by her husband, Bob of Simms, MT, children and spouses Laini (Darren Schlepp) Gray, Ryan (Staci) Gray, Melissa (Chris) Warner, Zane (Lindsey) Gray, 13 grandchildren; Haydn, Rylan, Brooklyn, Beckham, Alexis, Boston, Ali, Harper, McKinley, Weston, Grayson, Maggie, and Miles; siblings Karen Russell, Mark Monroe, Keith Monroe and Eric Monroe, numerous nephews and nieces, cousins and hundreds of friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Shirley and Doris Monroe and brother Kevin. 

Because of our love and concern for family and friends, a family service will be held Saturday, January 30th at 11am at the Sun River Valley Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Livestreaming will be available on Zoom, with meeting information available at www.croxfordfuneralhome.com where you can also share condolences with the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janet Marie (Monroe) Gray, please visit our floral store.