Caroline E. Gray

Caroline Elizabeth Gray, 99, of Kalamazoo, MI, passed away on July 9, 2024. Born on March 16, 1925, in Lansing, MI, she was the daughter of the late William and Delia Baumgras and sister to the late Ellen Dill.

Caroline was a graduate of Lansing Eastern High School. She received her undergraduate degree in Horticulture and a MA in Botany from Michigan State College, now Michigan State University. While attending, she met her future husband Jack Gray. Following marriage to Jack and his completion of graduate work in veterinary medicine, Jack and Caroline moved to Amherst, MA and started a family, their first daughter, Susan was born in1952. He accepted a position at the University of Massachusetts. Later, they returned to Michigan when Jack accepted a position as veterinary pathologist at the Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo. They permanently settled in Richland, having two additional children, Margaret, born in 1958 and William born in 1959.

Caroline will always be known for her love of all flowers and plants. She enjoyed sharing the beauty of her arrangements in her church, home and yard. Caroline taught at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Her commitment to the preservation of nature was exemplified through her work with the Michigan chapter of the Nature Conservancy and her instrumental role in the protection of the Grass Bay Preserve.

An enthusiastic gardener and floral arranger she was a longtime member of the Kalamazoo Garden Club, served multiple terms as President of the Michigan Federated Garden Club and a founder of the Seedlings Garden Club in Richland, MI. She also served on the board of the National Federated Garden Clubs.

One of Caroline’s crowning achievements was the transformation of the grounds of their residence. Together, Jack and Caroline worked tirelessly to make it into a landmark in Richland. Together they cultivated many plant varieties, creating gardens, lily ponds, rose gardens, vegetable gardens and herb gardens. Jack always referred to Caroline as the “Mrs.” The home was featured in the book entitled “Midwest Gardens” by Pamela Wolfe published in 1981. 

Her floral arrangements were well known and enjoyed by the worshipers as they enhanced the interpretation of the weekly Biblical scripture for the Altar Guild at the Richland Presbyterian Church. She was lifelong member of the church and dedicated herself to it. She held many positions including Sunday school teacher, deacon and head of the alter guild. 

Caroline loved the holidays, particularly Christmas, spending time with family and friends. She expressed her passion for the holidays by decorating her home with floral arrangements. She also was well known for her enjoyment of ice cream, requiring regular stops. 

Caroline's other hobbies included participation in book clubs, sharing her knowledge of flower arranging, and engaging in quilting and knitting and traveling. The couple traveled extensively in Europe, the U.S. and India.

Caroline is predeceased by her husband, her parents and sister. She is survived by her three children, Susan E. Gray(Shank) of Tempe, Arizona, Margaret E. Jahnke(Harold) of Ann Arbor, Michigan and William E Gray(Tina) of Ann Arbor, Michigan as well as her adored grandchildren, Catherine E. Jahnke, Thomas H. Jahnke, Sarah M. Jahnke, Elisabeth M. Jahnke, George H. Gray and Jacob W. Gray(Kelsi) and niece, Mary Dill.

The family will announce service details in due course. Memorial contributions may be made to the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry or to the First Presbyterian Church of Richland. Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel is handling the funeral arrangements. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com. Her enduring spirit, dedication to family and friends, and love for the natural world will be fondly remembered and sorely missed. She touched many lives.