Dorothy I. Gray, 93, of Lafayette, passed away on Friday, May 26, 2023, at IU Health Arnett Hospital. She was born April 26, 1930, in Lafayette to the late Orel and Wilhelmina (Siler) Taylor.

She grew up in a large, closely-knit family and was one of 14 children. She graduated as one of 18 in the Montmorenci High School class of 1948 where she was a cheerleader. On November 4, 1951, she married Tracy H. Gray in Montmorenci. He preceded her in death on June 19, 2007. Dorothy worked at General Foods for several years.

Dorothy enjoyed cooking, baking, quilting, and spending time with her family. She was known for making some of the best pies on earth. Dorothy also enjoyed playing euchre, visiting casinos with her sisters, and collecting beanie babies, coins, and figurines.

Surviving are her children Randall A. (Michele) Gray of Tega Cay, SC, Tracy S. (Andy) Fristoe of Lafayette, son-in-law Gary Ward of Mulberry, IN, and eight grandchildren…Jake (Emily) Gray, Chelsea (Ariana) Fristoe, Cory Gray, Taylor (Giana) Fristoe, Emily Gray, Daniel (Kenzie) Gray, Molly Ward, and Macy Ward. She is also survived by five great grandchildren.

Also surviving are her siblings Marilyn Miller, Raymond (Barb) Taylor, Larry Taylor all of Lafayette and Jack Taylor of West Lafayette.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her daughter Kelly Ward, and siblings Barbara Halsema, Fred Taylor, Harold Taylor, Thomas Taylor, Arthur Taylor, Carolyn King, Marvin Taylor, Bob Taylor and Steven Taylor.

The family is grateful to the caring staff of Creasy Springs, the IU Health Arnett Hospital staff, and hospice nurses for their impeccable care during the end of Dorothy’s life.

Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until the time of the service at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens Mausoleum Chapel, Pastor Ryan Traeger officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kelly Ward Scholarship fund at Clinton Prairie High School at 2400 S. County Rd. 450 W, Frankfort, IN 46041.