Evelyn Audrey Gray

Indianapolis- Evelyn Audrey Ramsden Gray, 98 of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away in her home peacefully surrounded with family members on April 22, 2022. Evelyn was also affectionately known by her family as Evie, Queen Evie, Noodle Oodles, Sunshine Mom, and GG.

She was born in Ayr, Australia, in January 1924 to Henry “Harry” James Marshall Ramsden and Evelyn May Powers Ramsden. Her parents and extended family were pioneers from Scotland and England coming to Australia to seek a better life. They settled in Home Hill, Australia where they became very successful sugar cane farmers.

Sadly, Evelyn’s mother died giving birth to her. She was then raised by her mother’s sisters, Alice and Ruby Powers initially in Home Hill and later in Brisbane, Australia.

In Brisbane, Evelyn attended Glen Abbey, an all girl Anglican boarding school. The school's vison is "to develop in each Glennie girl the intellectual, physical and spiritual potential to be all she can be.”

Evelyn excelled in the Glennie Vision at track, tennis, and piano. Evelyn also wrote essays, one of which was voted best essay of the year for all of Queensland. Evie loved writing, and later in life wrote and published a book, "Its Australia” which is loosely based on her life growing up in Australia during WWII and coming to America.

After high school Evelyn worked with the Australian Red Cross helping soldiers in WW2. During one of their sponsored dances she met Donald E. Gray, a highly decorated American pilot, from Brownsburg, Indiana. Don became the love of her life. They married in Australia and traveled to America aboard a Navy ship.

Initially, the newlyweds lived in San Francisco and then later inside Yosemite National Park in housing for officers where Don recuperated from hearing loss from flying PBY’s for the BlackCat Squadron.

Later, Don and Evelyn moved back to Don’s hometown, Brownsburg, Indiana. The Indianapolis Star even did a feature article on Evelyn and Don, titled "Home from the Wars...With an Aussie Bride.”

In Brownsburg, Evelyn was very involved in the community, serving multiple times as President of the PTA and President of the Psi Iota Xi charitable organization supporting communities in the fields

of speech and hearing, art, music, and literature. Evelyn was a member of Brownsburg Christian Church and also of Chapel Rock Christian Church.

Evelyn enjoyed a wonderful and adventurous life. Her finest accomplishment however was her devotion to her family.

Evie made a special effort with every member of the family to be very involved in their lives. They could rely on Evelyn for advice, praise and support. She was very inspirational helping all believe they could accomplish anything in life.

Evelyn is preceded in death by her husband Donald E Gray, her parents Henry and Evelyn Ramsden, her half sister Pam and her maternal aunts Alice and Ruby Powers.

She is survived by her 3 children and their spouses, Rod Gray and wife Jane, Trevor Gray and wife Jeannie, Pam Gray Maire-Query and her husband Dennis Query, 6 grandchildren and spouses, Jamie De Witt and husband Bracken, Rodney Gray and wife Carla, Ashley Funk and husband

Robert, Brian Maire and wife Lauren, Spencer Gray and wife Alex, Dustin Gray, and 8 great grandchildren, Audrey, Addy and Aiden De Witt, James and Cole Funk and Isla and Rooney and Padme Gray as well as numerous family members in Australia.

All family members will deeply miss Queen Evie who has been an important part of their lives. Her influence helping make each what they are today...

A private memorial ceremony will be held for immediate family only.

Final arrangements will be handled by Crown Hill Funeral Home

and Cemetery.