Dale Arden Gray's Obituary
March 22, 2026, saw the passing of Dale Arden Gray of Lakewood, Washington. A few weeks short of his 95th birthday, he was peacefully seen off by his wife, Betty, after 75 years of marriage.
During his long life, Dale got to do it all. Born in Tonganoxie, Kansas, to crop farmers Clarence and Fannie Gray, Dale was taught important childhood skills from his 9 older siblings: how to ride a horse, how to sneak tobacco from the neighbor's crop, and how to roll undried tobacco (which went hand in hand with how bad undried tobacco is).
During the Great Depression, he learned how to fit 12 people into 2 cars, along with all the family’s possessions. It was a long ride from Kansas to the Puget Sound that way.
In his later teens, Dale and an older brother decided to try their hand at mining down in Morenci, Arizona. That’s where a spunky gal named Betty Lou thought he was quite handsome and didn’t let him get away! They eloped to New Mexico, as teens do, and started their married life.
After the birth of their 4 boys, Dale decided this mining life was pretty terrible, so took a few years detour to Peru with the family to get out from under the mining Company. It went well! There was only one petition against them, and after some rocks were thrown into the boss's house (good job, boys), they had that wall up around the house in a week. Everyone was happy (except the kids, but they found other mischief shortly).
Once his time in Peru was up, Dale trundled the family back to the Puget Sound area, where he settled into being a woodworker and an amateur craps table player. Ah, the days before security cameras; the great fun he had!
Dale and Betty retired from the Sumner School District and spent the remaining years traveling with his wife, growing strawberries, and watching grandchildren (and then great-grandchildren).
In addition to his loving wife, Betty, he leaves behind his youngest sons, Larry and Dennis, and their families, as well as his second-oldest son’s wife and their children. Dale was predeceased by his two older sons, Robert and William.
When you hear the saying, “They broke the mold after he was born,” they were definitely referring to Dale. A finer man you could never know, and he will be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
“Dad, I hope you know how deeply you are missed, and rest assured that we are taking care of the love of your life. Keep the fire lit and we look forward to when we see each other again.”
Dale’s life will be celebrated privately by his family at a later date.
What’s your fondest memory of Dale?
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Share a story where Dale's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dale you’ll never forget.
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