Naomi Hanson Gray

GRAY, NAOMI H., 70, of Littleton, Colorado, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2014, at The Denver Hospice, surrounded by loving family and friends. She fought lymphoma courageously for more than a year. Naomi was born on May 25, 1944, daughter of Clarence A. Hanson, and Blanche M. (Reineke) Hanson Arms. Naomi graduated from Waseca High School in Waseca, Minnesota, the University of Minnesota with a degree in education, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration. While in college, she met her husband Paul in the Lutheran Student Union at the University of Minnesota. Their wedding was held at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Minneapolis on November 19, 1966. She pursued a career as an elementary teacher, first in Southern California and then in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. Her family settled in Owatonna, Minnesota, where her son was born. She enjoyed canning and gardening. Later the family relocated to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she resumed teaching as a reading specialist. Then, while living in Verona, Wisconsin, she held various positions in adult training and quality improvement. Later in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, she fulfilled a life-long dream as the district's Director of Curriculum and Instruction. In this role she affected the lives of thousands of students. She retired from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. She was an avid reader, a member of book clubs, and a long-time member of the American Association of University Women. Naomi is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Paul Gray; and her beloved son, Matthew Gray, Denver; two sisters, Barbara Bolduan, Omaha, and Darlene Anderson, Minneapolis. She was preceded in death by her parents. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 22, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 East Hampden Avenue, Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to donate to First Book, which provides access to new books for children in need in the United States and Canada. First Book, 1319 F St NW, Suite 1000, Washington DC 20004, www.firstbook.org. Please share your memories of Naomi and condolences with her family by signing the guestbook below.