Judy K. Gray

The family of Judy K. Gray lovingly announces her passing on November 6, 2025, at age 80, remembering a woman whose strength, kindness, and faith touched everyone she met. Judy was the very definition of a strong woman—steadfast, generous, and filled with humor and grace. Judy was born on June 09, 1945 in St. Louis, Missouri to Mary Frances (nee: Sparkman) and August William Larson Sr. She married the love of her life, Roland E. "Bud" Gray April 11, 1964, and they celebrated 39 years together. Loving mother of Julie (David) Hawes, Mary (Eric) Struckhoff, and Erik Gray; cherished grandmother of Daniella Gray, Sarah (Joseph) Ryan, Rachel Struckhoff, Ethan Gray, and Lucy Gray; dearest sister of Jan (the late Tom) Karll, the late Linda Tombridge, Bill (Debbie) Larson, David (Cindy) Larson, and Laura (the late Leo) Piper. Judy was also preceded in death by her parents, August Sr. and Mary Larson. A devout Catholic, Judy was deeply faithful and a devoted member of St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church in Des Peres. Her days and deeds reflected her love for God and others. She faithfully attended her Wednesday Prayer Group and Thursday Night Perpetual Help Prayer Group, where she led the Rosary. She was a proud member of the Altar Society, an active supporter of Birthright at St. Clement's, and involved with the World Apostolate of Fatima. Judy found great joy in creating handmade rosaries and scapulars for missionaries, quietly spreading her faith around the world through her craftsmanship. Judy had a generous heart and a true gift for giving. She shared her talents and passions freely—especially through her cooking and baking. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and love, filled with the delicious aromas of her famous potato soup, "City Chicken," and Crunchy Chicken Salad. Her Grandma Gray's chocolate cake—with white icing and layers of banana—was a family treasure, as were her homemade braided ham sandwiches and Italian Shepherd's Pie. Every dish carried her love and care. When Judy wasn't cooking, she was often in her garden, tending to her flowers and turning them into beautiful arrangements. She loved the beauty of nature—watching birds, being outdoors, and especially fly fishing at Kirkwood Park and Simpson Lake. She not only loved to fish but taught countless others the art of fly fishing, always with patience and joy. A talented bowler, Judy was once a bowling coach at Kirkwood High School and later competed in the Senior Olympics. Whether it was bowling, fishing, or prayer, Judy gave her all, always with a smile. Judy loved her dogs, especially her Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs, who brought her endless companionship and laughter. Though she wasn't fond of traveling or flying, she cherished a special trip out West with her family—making memories that will be treasured forever. She preferred to stay close to home, surrounded by the people and places she loved, and always had a select few whom she trusted to drive her wherever she needed to go. Her faith was matched by her generosity; Judy was a faithful donor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, giving selflessly to help children and families in need. Those who knew Judy will remember her strength, her laughter, her unmatched cooking, her deep devotion to God, and her endless kindness. She was a light to everyone around her—faithful, funny, and full of love. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched and the memories she created with family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's or St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Judy K. Gray

June 9, 1945 - November 6, 2025