In Loving Memory

Melinda Lee Gray

Melinda Lee Gray, a 30 year area resident, passed away peacefully at her Chewelah, WA home on October 14, 2021.  She was born in Auburn, WA on January 10, 1950 to Melvin and Arlene (Wolf) Ratliff.

Melinda was born and raised in Auburn, WA, graduating form Auburn High School with the class of 1968.  She had a chance encounter with Robert "Scott" Gray who had recently been honorably discharged from the U.S. Army and was visiting with his father.  Scott asked for Melinda's phone number, but she declined to give it to him and she and her friend walked away and just as he was turning to leave, Melinda's friend came up to him and handed Scott her phone number.  He tried calling a couple times to no avail and tried one last time and she picked up.  They dated for some time and on January 20, 1973, the two married at Holy Family Catholic Church in Auburn.  Melinda began working for Abbott Industries, which were a supplier and distributor of paints and stains.  She wore many hats while working there, most notably as the office manager and human resources manager.  Melinda and Scott welcomed two children into their lives, Jennifer and James.  Their young family enjoyed spending time together going hunting, fishing, camping, boating, crabbing and beach barbeques all over the Puget Sound area.  Melinda was passionate about playing soccer and was on many, many elite leagues over the years.

In 1990, Melinda and Scott decided to move east of the Cascades and while over at a friend's house property hunting, a woman approached the two of them with the notion to buy her place on Sand Canyon.  The three of them drove over to the property and they knew instantly that this would be their new home.  Melinda and Scott enjoyed visits from the family over the years while living in Chewelah and Melinda continued to catch the elusive bass in Jumpoff Joe Lake.  Scott injured his back at work which forced him into an early retirement, but the two continued to share their time together.  Melinda had a love of her family that couldn't be matched.  She will be dearly missed and forever loved by those that knew her best.

Melinda is survived by her husband, Robert "Scott" Gray, Chewelah, WA; daughter, Jennifer (Chad) Kleven, Longview, WA; son, James Gray, Chewelah, WA; brother, Richard Ratliff, Chewelah, WA; grandchildren, Hunter Gray, Tyler Kleven, Kamryn Gray, Baily Gray and Alexis Kleven.

Please visit the online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com .  Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory have been entrusted in her care.