Novella Zelma (Barton) Gray was born Jan. 8, 1931, in Caleio, Mo. She left her beloved family and friends on Feb. 20, 2015, at the age of 84.
Her family moved to Raymondville, Mo., when she was a young girl. She attended the white schoolhouse that still stands in Raymondville.
She is survived by her daughters, Zelma McGuire (Charles) of Raymondville, Mo., Elizabeth Wellman (Alton, life partner) of Goodland, Ind., Beverly Cicenas (Richard) of Valparaiso, Ind., and Samantha Seaman of Eugene, Ore.; sisters, Dorothy Shott (Herman) of Perryville, Mo., and Cornelia Ferguson (Howard) of Raymondville, Mo.; brothers, William “Bill” Barton (Dee) of O’Fallon, Ill., John Barton (Mona) of St. James, Mo., and Dewey Barton of Kansas; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many, many nieces, nephews and friends.
Novella was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Zelma (Biswell) Barton; her husband, Earl Gray; a son, Thomas Gray; two sisters, Anna Colleen Barton (infant) and Maxzine Paris; two brothers, Dewayne Barton and Thomas Barton; two granddaughters; and a great-grandson.
At one point in her life Novella and her family lived in St. Louis, where she worked for Prince Gardner and Bussman Fuse CO. They moved back to the Raymondville area in 1966 and she lived there till her passing. For years Novella and her husband, Earl, managed the Houston Community Auction until they had to close due to his health. She worked several years for H.D Lee and Rawlings until her health forced her to retire.
Novella treasured her family immensely and would often share her childhood life experiences. Conversation with friends were always filled with her recent adventures or get-togethers she had with them. Her grandchildren brought her great love and joy and the great-grandchildren even a more cherished love for her.
Her family is deeply saddened by the loss of their mother and sister, but knows that she is happy to be with Jesus in his heavenly kingdom and joined with family that has gone before her.
Visitation is 1-2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at Evans Funeral Home with services beginning at 2 p.m. in the chapel with Dr. Terry Snelling officiating. Burial will follow in Friendship Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Care or Friendship Cemetery. To send an online condolence, please go to www.evansfh.com.
PAID