Ruth Stratton Gray

Ruth Stratton Gray was born December 13, 1916 in Elkville, Illinois to Christopher and Bessie Stratton. She attended grade school there and graduated from the Elkville High School.

She met and was married to Millard Gray and to this union was born a daughter, Shirley. The family moved to Urbana in 1942. Mr. Gray was employed at the University of Illinois, until his retirement. Mrs. Gray was a housewife but also worked as a domestic.

She was a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church since 1943 and has worked in many capacities including the Missionary Society and the Willing Workers Group. She attended Church regularly, and served as a representative to Church Women United.

In the 1950's, she was affiliated with the Republican Party and served as Committeewoman. She was also a long-time member of the Douglass Senior Citizen Group.

Ruth Stratton Gray passed away on April 1, 2004.