Carol Rose (Lee) Gray

Carol Rose (Lee) Gray, longtime resident of Pendleton, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, in Spokane, Washington.

Born on April 3, 1944, to Leonard and Dorothy (Pitzer) Lee, Carol spent her younger years on her family’s asparagus farm outside of Sunnyside, WA, where she learned the value of hard work and family life. Later, the family moved into town, where her father opened a television repair shop where Carol’s early life continued to be shaped by close family ties. Carol met her husband John Gray while fishing with their fathers, an encounter that blossomed into a lifelong romance and a marriage filled with decades of love, devotion, and family. She loved John deeply and often spoke with faith and hope about the day they would be reunited at Jesus’ coming.

A devoted grandmother, Carol faithfully attended her grandchildren’s soccer and baseball games, swim meets, and school programs—regardless of the weather. Her cheers could be heard above all others in the crowd, and her pride in her family was unmistakable.

Her grandchildren shared that even when dementia made it difficult for her to recognize names and faces, she always knew they belonged to her—and she loved them. That steady, enduring love remained clear and unwavering throughout her life.

Carol knew from a young age that she wanted to be a teacher. She fulfilled that lifelong dream through a dedicated career in education. She taught elementary education, worked as an English as a Second Language teacher, and later served as an administrator where she continued to support students and educators with care, patience, and leadership.

Carol lived a life marked by love, strength, and devotion to God and family. She will be remembered for her kindness, her enduring spirit, and the warmth she shared with family, friends, students, and colleagues throughout her life. Carol enjoyed simple, meaningful moments in life, including her regular walks through the neighborhood greeting familiar faces, and dining out at her favorite restaurants.

Her presence brought comfort and joy to many, and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Tony (Denise), Diana (David), and Kristi (Rob); her grandchildren, Darin (Christa), Rylan, Janessa, and Logan; three bonus grandchildren, Shelby, Josie (Owen), and Hunter; three bonus great-grandchildren; and her brother, Charles Lee (Erma). She also leaves behind cherished extended family members and dear friends who will deeply miss her presence and hold her memory close.

Carol was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John; her parents, Leonard and Dorothy Lee; her sister, Nancy Schell; and her brother, Richard Lee. Visitation for Carol will take place on Thursday May 28, 2026, from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Pendleton Seventh-Day Adventist Church, located at 1401 SW Goodwin, Pendleton, OR. Arrangements are being handled by Pendleton Pioneer Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice or to Adventist Development and Relief Agency (www.adra.org) or the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org).

A special thank you to the staff at Spokane Memory Care and Horizon Hospice of Spokane. Their kind and loving care and support will never be forgotten.