Gwen Charlotte Moore Bray

Gwen M. Bray, of Richland passed away January 9, 2016 in Richland, WA in peace and love surrounded by her family just 4 months to the day of her husband Lane’s death.   Gwen was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on September 23, 1935 to Marvin A. Moore and Darlene Helen (Page) Moore. Gwen married Lane Bray on January 23, 1959. She spent her remaining life in Richland raising their four children and then working for various companies. She spent her childhood with her parents in Indiana or Michigan with sisters Carol Moore (Lampshire) deceased and Ellen Moore (Jackson) currently of Richland, WA; and brothers, Gerald “Pat” Moore (deceased) and Brian (Diane) Moore of Windsor, CT. She moved with her mother and sisters to Richland in 1947 after her dad obtained a job at Hanford.  She attended John Ball School in North Richland and was a member of the first class at Carmichael after construction. Gwen graduated from Richland High School in 1953 and completed her nursing AA degree at Columbia College in 1969. Gwen was very active in Rainbow Girls and was the first honored queen in Job’s Daughters. For a number of years she was involved in a number of musical activities including Columbia Coral, Concert Columbia, Richland Light Opera, Community Concerts and the West Side Church choir. Over the years she worked for the Washington Public Power Supply System and retired from Battelle.   

Gwen was a member of West Side Presbyterian Church and served as a Deacon and in Stevens Ministry. Gwen and Lane enjoyed their “log cabin” in Peshastin, WA which they built in 1999. They were involved with Ingalls Creek Enrichment Center (ICE), a Christian retreat center, just below their cabin and had many wonderful days of enjoyment and fellowship.  

Gwen is survived by her daughters, Joisan Bray Elia (Craig) of Walla Walla, Judith (David) Klein of Kennewick, Nancy (Tim) Oten of Prosser, and son Eric Bray of Seattle, WA;  grandchildren, Jacob (Lili) Klein (Seattle), Nick (Kim Venetz) Klein (Washington, DC), Rachel Elia (Tobin) Keddison Richland, and Anthony Elia of Walla Walla and great grandson, Charlie Klein of Seattle. Lane and Gwen’s first daughter, Janet Lynn Bray died as an infant from heart disease. 

A graveside service will be held at Sunset Gardens, Richland WA on January 30^th at 11am.