Leona "Lee" Gray

Leona L. Gray, age 100, passed away July 15, 2023 in Brown County, Nashville, Indiana. She was born October 4, 1922 to Frederick J. Batteiger and Susanna H. (Wolf) Batteiger in Evansville. Leona attended Reitz High School and after graduating, she worked as a bookkeeper on Evansville’s West side. In 1943, Leona married her high school sweetheart, Raymond W. Gray, Jr. After his service in World War II, the couple relocated to Indianapolis where they raised their family. Leona and her husband became residents of Nashville in 1975, and she helped with clerical duties in his law office.

Leona was active in the Marion County League of Women’s Voters and enjoyed volunteer work with the American Cancer Society and Brown County Health and Living Community. She was a member of Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ in Indianapolis and later attended worship services at Nashville United Methodist Church. She enjoyed traveling with family and friends. Some of her favorite trips were with her husband traveling out west in their turtle top van. Leona also enjoyed reading, sewing and scrapbooking. She valued her family, her faith, and being able to be of help to others.

Leona is survived by her children, James (Lee) Gray of Vancouver, Washington and daughter, Heather (Steve) Mollo of Nashville, Indiana; brother, Ralph Batteiger of Evansville, Indiana; two grandsons, Justin (Jenna) Mollo and Evan (Kayla) Mollo, and six great-grandchildren, Madilyn, Marleigh, Cannon, Gatlyn, Kash and Oakley.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond, of 66 years; infant son, Timothy; infant daughter, Donna Lee; and sister, Pauline M. Schuler.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 28, at 10:30 am CDT, at Alexander Memorial Park Chapel, 2200 Mesker Park Drive, Evansville.

Memorial contributions may be made, in memory of Leona L. Gray, to Mother’s Cupboard, P.O. Box 825, Nashville, IN 47448 or the Brown County YMCA to support Silver Sneakers (include in memo line), 105 Willow Street, Nashville, IN 47448.

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.