Margaret Elaine Wray, 78, passed away November 6, 2023, at Halstead Health and Rehab in Halstead, Kansas. Elaine was born February 28, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri to Carl and LaVina (Clevenger) McCrary. She graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1963. Elaine met Michael B. Wray in 1963 and they married on January 27, 1964, in Newton, Kansas. She was a homemaker.
Elaine lived a full life and had a passion for everything horses, and in particular, riding in her youth, showing and owning halter horses, and attending the AQHA world show in Oklahoma City as well as local Quarter horse and Paint horse shows. She also loved the many dogs she had through the years, and they were always a significant part of the family, especially Annie who she leaves behind.
Elaine was a great cook and always enjoyed family gatherings, especially Memorial Day weekends at the Legion Hall in Hamilton, Missouri, where she spent a significant portion of her life with her grandparents, Grandpa Paddy and Granny Mac. Elaine and her husband, Mike loved going to auctions of any kind and collected antiques over the course of their marriage. She could tell a great story and was always enthusiastic about telling these stories. Elaine never met a stranger and would talk to you like she’d known you forever.
As a child in Springfield, Missouri, she listened to the Ozark Jubilee and was proud of the fact that she and singer, Brenda Lee, would walk to school together. Most of all Elaine loved her children and their many friends they welcomed into their lives as their own. Elaine’s laugh will always be remembered.
Elaine is survived by: her husband Mike of almost 60 years; daughters Amy (John) Brennan, Shannon (Kirk) Leithead; son Grant (Shayla) Wray; sister Teri (Artie) Meier; grandchildren Paige Leithead, Nash, Brogan and Kain Wray; and nephews Jason (Shelley) Meier and Ryon (Cindy) Meier.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and LaVina McCrary.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Elliott Chapel. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, November 10, 2023, with the family present from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 13, 2023, at the Highland Cemetery in Hamilton, Missouri.
Click here to view Elaine's funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Elaine Wray Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.