Barbara J. Gray
April 4, 1949 -
November 5, 2023
Barbara (Barb or Magga) Jean Gray (Eldred), 74, passed away on Sunday, November 5th, 2023 at Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie surrounded by her adoring family.
Born on April 4, 1949 to the late Newton S. Eldred and Mary Louise (Read) Eldred.
She was a beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, daughter, sister and grandmother.
Magga was known for her feistiness, giving and loving nature. She touched the lives of many with her kindness, laughter, love, and willingness to help.
She had a passion for live music, especially Barry Manilow, Keith Urban, Blake Shelton and Cher, and attended these concerts with her family any time she was able to sucker them into going.
Throughout her life, Barb made a positive impact on those around her. She will be remembered for her ability to comfort family and friends with a kind word or a hug. Her warm smile, laughter and words of encouragement brightened the lives of others and brought joy to their hearts.
She worked many years in a variety of local settings including the Great Lakes naval base, Snap-On-Tools, several dental offices, and retired from United Hospital System in 2010.
Her favorite “job” by far, though, was that of wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. Magga lived for her children and her grandchildren. She always looked forward to her time with the entire family and enjoyed this more than anything. Her stories always included not-so-humble brags about what her children or grandchildren had accomplished.
Barb is survived her loving husband, Robert (Bob), sons, Keith (Donny Gray-Dozal) and Kyle (Christina Martin), grandchildren, Morgan, Mackenzie, Dillon and Carter as well as by her sister, Joan Elger (Stephen) and her brother, Lawrence Eldred (Rachel), sister-in-law, Lorna Eldred and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Kelly Marie in infancy and her brother, Kevin Eldred.
She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Service Info
A private funeral service to celebrate the life of Barb will be held for the immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to ASPCA https://www.aspca.org as a tribute to Barb's memory.
May the cherished memories of Barb/Magga bring comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Posted by:
Lisa Altorfer??Keith and Kyle, your Mom always had the kindest things to say. She will be missed. Peace to you and your family.
Posted by:
Dan and Mary AltorferKeith and Donny, Robert, Kyle and all of those who loved Barb, We want to extend our heartfelt sympathy to you. Know that we are thinking of you all during this sorrowful time.
Posted by:
Connie OelrichPlease allow me to extend my heartfelt sympathy to Bob, Keith, Kyle, all Barb’s grandchildren, her sister and brother, and her many friends. As a Sister-in-Law, Barb was one of a kind. We enjoyed spending time together – whether it was “gabbing on the phone” (prior to cell phones and texting), taking our boys to the park or planning and hosting family gatherings. A family-oriented lady, she was devoted to her parents and siblings and missed them very much during her time in Leadville. And when it came to Bob and her Boys, they were her number one priority. After they moved back to Kenosha, I missed the time we had spent together. Barb was the epitome of the “Proud Grandma,” and she cherished the time she spent with her four grandchildren. She was a wonderful person who enriched many lives and will be missed by all who knew her.
Posted by:
Sue BornemannI remember being the kid next door for several years until we moved away. I loved hanging out with Keith, not just because he was a great friend, but because he has a wonderful family. Barb loved music. Barry Manilow was a stand out favorite. I remember playing outside and hearing the music if we were all at Keith's house. Barb was so sweet, she and another mom in the neighborhood would offer me a ride to school so I didn't have to walk. She also drove us to bowling. She would allow me to come over and play board games with Keith. I remember her just being really kind and giving and not expecting anything in return. She was a beautiful person to be around....loving and safe. Bob, Keith, Kyle and family. I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you in this time of mourning. God bless.
