Doris Elizabeth Gray

Doris was born on January 13, 1949 in Henry, IL, the daughter of Ernest and Leona (Gingrich) Miller. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Alan Gray.

Doris is survived by her children, Jamee Kerkman, Beth Adkins, Sarah (Mark) Dadey, Paul (Rachel) Adkins; her grandchildren Devin Macchietto, Mitchel Dadey, Luke Dadey, Julia Dadey, Miah Adkins and Lily Adkins; and her sister Shirley (Richard) Schobert.

Doris loved being a mother and grandmother and demonstrated unconditional love - one of the most invaluable gifts anyone can give another human being. She has stated that her greatest blessings were found in her family, and that she enjoyed her six grandchildren more than words could say.

In addition to her dedication to her family, she had a successful career. She worked in the field of banking for 35 years; began her career as a teller at 17 years old, worked as a loan officer and as a manager for various banks, worked as a Compliance Officer for the Federal Reserve Bank, and retired at age 53 as the President of three Heritage Bank branches in Boulder County. After retiring from banking, Doris was a Real Estate Investor for over 20 years.

Doris was a published author and wrote a beautiful memoir dedicated to her husband, titled Signs of Alan: A Love Story That Transcends Death. Her family has no doubt that she is currently dancing in the kitchen with Alan and her Savior Jesus Christ.

Doris’ interests were varied – she had an insatiable zest for life. Doris embodied the positivity and energy of her parents. She enjoyed music, bowling, and playing games with her family. Like her parents, she was a fan of bluegrass music for more than 50 years. Doris served as the President of the Colorado Bluegrass Music Society for five years and later became a member of their Hall of Honor. After recovering from a successful liver transplant, and at the age of 67, Doris learned to play guitar. In 2018, she co-formed a bluegrass band named Back Porch Grass. She wrote several songs, managed bookings, and created set lists for the band. Her children and grandchildren enjoyed supporting their “Meemaw” at her concerts, cheering her on as she sang and played to the audience.

In addition to the above impressive accomplishments, Doris dedicated much of her time and financial resources to non-profit work. She volunteered time helping victims of domestic violence at Mutual Ground in Aurora, IL and later served on their Board of Directors. In recent years, she volunteered at the Boulder Pregnancy Resource Center and made significant donations to various charities. Doris was the type of human who would randomly give money to strangers in need. She was known for her generosity and kindness to others and set a wonderful example for those around her.

Of all her beautiful attributes, her unwavering faith in God was the most significant. Doris considered God to be her best friend.

We are gathering to celebrate the life of the extraordinary Doris Gray at Crist Mortuary located at 3395 Penrose Place, Boulder, CO 80301 at 11:00 a.m. on Friday December 1, 2023. A reception will follow.

If you would like to honor Doris though a charitable donation, please consider making a donation in Doris' name to one of her favorite charities:

• Boulder Pregnancy Resource Center, 2334 Broadway Ste D Boulder, CO 80304

• Hope House of Colorado, 6475A Benton St Arvada, CO 80003.

A memorial service for Doris will be held Friday, December 1, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Crist Mortuary, 3395 Penrose Place, Boulder, CO 80301.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cristmortuary.com for the Gray family.