Helen Gray

Helen L. Gray, 72, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Sunday, December 23, 2012, at Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic.

Helen was born November 12, 1940, in Dayton, Iowa, to Ernest and Amanda Bass. She grew up in and around Fort Dodge and later lived in Des Moines before settling in Atlantic. Helen attended grade school through the second grade yet was unable to continue her education after falling out of a barn.


She was united in marriage to Robert J. Abild on October 2, 1960. On June 29, 1985, she was married to Tommie D Gray. Tommie passed away November 15, 2006. She worked as a waitress for many years. She helped on the farm and drove across the country in the truck with Tom.


Helen was a member of the Eagles and was baptized in the Lutheran faith.

She loved to play Bingo. Helen was a lover of all animals. She also greatly loved her kids, her grandchildren and her friends. She was always there when anyone needed. She loved orchids and enjoyed growing them. She was the cook for all occasions and always wanted to bring food or goodies. She cared for all stray animals, even a skunk one time.


She is survived by her children, Robert E. Lee Butters and wife Becky of Virginia Beach, VA and children, Casey, Bridgett and Currin and three great-grand children; Cinthia A. Schlake and friend Robert Ulveling and children, Jeremy E. Schlake and family, Justin A. Schlake and family and Jacob H. Schlake and family; ten great- grandchildren, John R. Abild and wife Diane of Atlantic and children, Shannon Nolan of Omaha, NE and family, Vanessa Hoover of Anita and family, Brandi Abild of Harlan, Mikala Smith of Oakland and family, Aubrey Schuler of Atlantic and family, and Austin Arndt of Logan and family; fourteen great-grandchildren, Robin Mills and fiancé Ervin Suko and children, Tyler Mills, Cody Mills and Austin Mills of Atlantic, Ronda Wilkinson and husband Tim of Red Oak and children, Blake, Shania, Beau and Sean of Red Oak, Janet Christensen and Tony of Red Oak and children, Alexandria, Megan and Connor of Red Oak; her sister, Katherine Driscoll and husband Ed of Pender, NE; eight step-children, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.


She was preceded in death by her husband, Tommie Gray; a special niece, Susan Wagoner; her parents; sisters, Norma Caron, Dorothy Wood and Marge Wood; and her brother, Donald Bass.


Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m., Friday, December 28, 2012, at Hockenberry Family Care Chapel in Atlantic. Visitation with family will be prior to the service from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m., Friday, December 28, 2012, at Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic. A private family burial will take place at a later date.


Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements.