Betty Lou (Pryor) Summers Gray

Betty Lou (Pryor) Summers Gray was born October 16, 1930, in Salem, Missouri, to Frank and Ida Alena “Lena” (Whitaker) Pryor. At the age of seven, her mother passed and her dad later married Cora Bell Hogan. Betty grew up in Sligo, Missouri and graduated from Salem High School. On April 30, 1949, Betty was united in marriage to Kenneth “Jiggs” Summers and to this union blessed with three children: Mike, Patty, and David. Betty and Jiggs shared forty-three years of marriage before his passing May 14, 1992. She later married Ellis Gray Sr. in 1994 and shared many years together before his passing. Betty started working at the International Shoe Factory soon after they opened and worked there until they closed their doors. She then started working at the Smith Department Store for several years. Betty retired in 1994, after marrying Ellis, from the bakery department at Country Mart. After retirement, Betty and Ellis enjoyed travelling together. They frequently visited Branson, Hawaii, and went to Florida during spring training. She loved going shopping, especially with her daughter Patty. Betty was blessed with a sweet tooth and loved to bake. Her family was most important to her. She adored her grandchildren and cherished her great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Betty was an incredible example of a godly woman. She has been a member of Dry Fork Baptist Church for over sixty-five years. When she could no longer drive, a special niece, Darlene Merritt, would pick her up and take her to church. Betty entered eternal rest March 1, 2025, in Salem, Missouri, at the age of ninety-four years. Those left behind to cherish her memory include her loving sons: Mike Summers and wife Joyce of Salem, MO and David Summers and wife Nancy of Lone Jack, MO; stepdaughter-in-law: Gina Gray; stepdaughter: Sandy Behringer; grandchildren: Michael Summers and wife Diana, Jay Medlock and wife Stacy, Andy Summers and wife Alicia, Amy Capps and husband Ben, Brian Summers and wife Jordan, Holly Bremmerkamp and husband Brad, Derek Summers, Brock Summers, Danielle Dunlop, and Michelle Dunlop; as well as a host of step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding her in death were her husband: Kenneth “Jiggs” Summers; second husband: Ellis Gray Sr.; daughter: Patty Shults; grandson: Brandon Summers; stepson: Ellis “Skip” Gray Jr.; mother: Lena Pryor; father: Frank Pryor; sister: Verna Pryor; brother: Harry “Bud” Pryor; as well as a stepbrother and stepsister. Betty was a very thoughtful, kind, and caring soul, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. She will be greatly missed for her big heart and contagious giggle. Her strong commitment to her faith, family, and friends never wavered, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Funeral Services for Betty Lou (Pryor) Summers Gray were held Friday, March 7, 2025, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor William Hubbs officiating. Melody Pryor shared the obituary and special music was provided by Theresa Vaughan and Shelly Davis. Serving as Pallbearers were Michael Summers, Jay Medlock, Andy Summers, Brian Summers, Dylan Summers, and Brock Summers. Burial was in the Dry Fork Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Betty Gray to the Dry Fork Cemetery Fund and left with Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Envelopes will be available. Online Condolences may be left at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Betty Lou (Pryor) Summers Gray

October 16, 1930 - March 1, 2025