Ishpeming – Rita M. Gray, age 87, longtime Ishpeming Twp. Resident passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, while in the loving care of her family, staff at the Marquette Co. Medical Care facility and the Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice.

Rita was born in Iron Mountain, MI on July 16, 1936, a daughter of the late Irene (Hannas) and Joseph  Draxler.  She grew up in Iron Mountain, was a graduate of the Iron Mountain High School and married the late Richard M. "Dick" Gray on April 27, 1957.  They resided in Milwaukee, WI for a few years prior to moving to Marquette in 1964 and then to Ishpeming Twp. in 1965. Rita was a devoted wife and homemaker who enjoyed family camping trips during the summer months.  In their later years, Rita and Dick enjoyed traveling to various world destinations.

Rita was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, and in her younger days was active at the St. Pius X Catholic Church where she served on the Ladies Guild.  She was a longtime member of the Ladies auxiliary for the Ishpeming Township Volunteer Fire Department. Rita enjoyed her daily morning 3-mile walks around the neighborhood, always ending at the Hoist Restaurant for coffee. She also kept herself active by attending aerobics classes along with playing bridge.

Rita is  survived by a son, Larry M. (Tina) Gray of Negaunee, a daughter, Diane (Brent) Rosten of Ishpeming, a brother, James (Beverly) Draxler of Fond du lac, WI, 6 grandchildren, Thalicia, Shea, Tayler, Tessa, Nathan and Marisa, 4 great grandchildren, Benson, Aleah, Kyra, and Teigen along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard in 2018, a brother Joseph Draxler and a sister Margaret Piatti.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church on Friday December 15, 2023, from 10:00am – 11:00am where a Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 11:00am with Fr. Christian Flagstadt to officiate. A luncheon will follow the mass in the K/D Hall.  Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery. The Mass will be livestreamed, which can be found at ishpemingcatholic.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Ishpeming St. Vincent de Paul Society, 322 Cleveland Ave., Ishpeming, MI 49849 in Rita's memory.

Rita's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.