Monetta A. GrayMonetta A. Gray, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, at the age of 84.
Born in Warsaw on Jan. 15, 1938, she was the daughter of Aurlie and Georgia Hoover Zorn. On Sept. 11, 1955, Monetta was united in marriage to Joe Gray. She attended Pierceton schools and went on to be self-employed for many years. Monetta later worked in the school cafeteria at Syracuse Elementary School. Together, Monetta and Joe spent their lives in Kosciusko County raising their seven children.
Monetta and Joe were longtime members of North Webster Church of God, where they regularly attended their Joy meetings. She loved making people feel loved and happy. Monetta belonged to “Light up your Life Clowns,” where she would perform for children’s birthday parties and other special events. She was filmed in the movie, “My Elusive Mychelle,” produced by her good friend Ken Strong. In her spare time, Monetta enjoyed crocheting, cooking and baking. She made baby blankets and several items of clothing for those she loved. Monetta and Joe enjoyed traveling with their children to places such as fishing in Canada and visiting Michigan, Mount Rushmore, Niagara Falls, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon and Denver. She will be truly missed by those who loved her.
Along with her husband of 67 years, Joe, those who survive include her children: Becky Gray, of Ligonier; Mark Gray, of Etna Green; Dawn King, of Goshen; Teresa Mann, of unknown; and Monaca Wallace, of Lansing, Mich.; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and brother, Max Zorn. She is further survived by many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in passing by her parents; daughters, Beth Annette Gray and Debra Gray McCain; sisters, Jerry Bays and Patricia Miller; and brother, Ted Zorn.
Titus Funeral Home is entrusted with the care of Monetta. Friends and family may gather at Owen Family Funeral Home of Syracuse, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, on Wednesday, Jan. 11 from 4 until 7 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 2 p.m. with doors opening at 1 p.m.
To leave a condolence, please visit www.TitusFuneralHome.com.
