Barbara A. Gray, 70, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on Thu, Jan 23, 2020 at Munson Hospice House. Barb was born on Nov 7, 1949 in Columbus, Oh, to the late Paul and Ruth (Pickens) Kautz.
She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Before her retirement, Barb was a registered nurse at Munson Medical Center. She was also an EMT specialist with Grand Traverse Metro and Green Lake Township Fire Department and Ambulance Rescue. She was an EMT instructor-coordinator, a CPR instructor and fire fighter.
Barb was a member of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses and also a member of the Society of Instructor/Coordinators with Battalion #4 of Grand Traverse County. She was involved in the National Head Injury Alliance and locally supported victims of brain injury. She had a deep love for animals and rescued many of her pets over the course of her life. Barbara will always be remembered for her care and compassion towards both people and animals.
Barb is survived by two daughters, Maya (Tony) Watrous and Shan Bowens; and a son, Chay (Holly) Gray. She held a special place in her heart for her grandson, Carter Kassab. Also surviving are her brother, Richard Kautz; her sister, Jill (Kenneth) Burkholder; and special friends, Priscilla (Tim) Kellogg.
Friends are welcome to visit with Barb's family from 4 to 7 pm on Tue, Jan 28, 2020 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3746 Veterans Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684. A funeral service honoring Barbara will take place at 11 am, with visitation starting at 10 am, on Wed, Jan 29, 2020 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Burial will follow in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.
The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
