Lizbeth Gray

Lizbeth Ann Gray - Liz, Lizbeth, Lizzie, LizzieBelle - left us on September 6th, 2013 at age 62. There will be many broken hearts and empty places among those that she loved and respected. So much good advice and positive direction left unsaid. So much help, care, and nurturing that will be missed from a wonderful wife, friend, daughter, mother, and sister. Liz was born in Portland, the daughter of William R and Adele (Haugner) Gray Jr. She graduated from Cleveland high school and was an Alpha Chi Omega at Oregon State University, but graduated from the University of Oregon. And yes, a Beaver believer first! She went on to the University of Chicago for her Social Work degree and a PhD from Washington State University. It was there she met her husband Don, an ER physician at the time. He first saw her after she slid into home plate with the winning run for her women's softball team championship but, she broke her kneecap in the process! Sweat, dirt and blood did not deter her from pursuing him until they were married the next year! After that, It was back to her beloved OSU and a wonderful rewarding career teaching, mentoring and traveling all over the world. Her last position was as Associate Dean for the College of Public Health and Human Sciences. She had a special place in her heart for undergraduates. But most important to Liz, throughout her life and career, was developing relationships. Her family, friends, colleagues and students all know this to be true. Liz loved the sun and after 58 years of Oregon winters, enough was enough. Palm Springs was her destination. Right after spending Christmas with all her family, she was off to pool side with an iced Ginger ale (lots of lime slices) and a good mystery novel. A competitive tennis player, she loved those overhead smashes and was ranked 3.5 before her knees gave out. But that didn't stop her, she just picked up golf and, of all things, fishing! There were several great Puget Sound cruises with Don on their boat, the "Perspective" after she retired. And although Don was the Captain, she was often heard to say, "Can I just make a suggestion?". He knew what that meant. She is survived by her husband Don, step daughter Melissa, son David, grandson Rhian, mother Adele and sisters Jennifer Arbanas and Karen Jo Keefer. In lieu of flowers, and especially chocolate (!), please contribute to the Lizbeth A. Gray OSU Scholarship Fund at any OSU Federal Credit Union branch (www.osufederal.com). As she wanted, a celebration of life with music, food, and fun is forthcoming. Time and place will be announced at a later date. Service Information