Charmaine Gray

charmaine gray

Charmaine B. Gray, 58, of Moorhead, MN passed away Monday June 9, 2014 at Essentia Health in the presence of her family.

Charmaine was born Bonnie Charmaine Thomas to Guy M. Thomas, Sr. and Bonnie Myers in Mondamin, IA, December 24, 1955.  She grew up in Council Bluffs, IA where she graduated from Thomas Jefferson High.  Charmaine continued her secondary education in Business for 2 years. 

Charmaine married Lee Gray on December 12, 1981 in Cold Spring, MN.  They moved to Fargo in 1983 and opened C&L Plumbing together.  As their family grew, they moved to Moorhead, MN in 1990 where they purchased and ran two horse boarding stables, Gray Manor Stables and RiverView Estate.

Charmaine was well known for her kindness.  She was a very family orientated person who treated her friends just like family.  She was known to invite friends to holiday events to make sure everyone had somewhere to be and something to eat.  Her passions included shopping, talking on the phone, collecting Christmas decorations, interior design, taking care of horses, spending time with family and friends and always running late.

In 2012, Charmaine was diagnosed with Colon Cancer.  Despite her prognosis she stayed very strong and maintained a positive attitude through everything. 

Charmaine is preceded in death by her father, Guy M. Thomas, Sr., step-father James E. Myers, Sr., and siblings James Thomas, Markel Thomas and Barbera Jean (Tudy) Adams.

Charmaine is survived by he husband, Lee Gray; her five daughters, Ariel Gray, Shantel Gray, Jessica (Rob) Sell, Angela Middagh, and Theresa (Kelly) Busche; her mother Bonnie Myers; her step-mother Dorothy "Dot" Thomas; her siblings James E. (Greta) Myers, Jr., Karen (Dale) Schneidewind, Mary (Keith) Kasprick, Guy M. Thomas, Jr., Lafe Thomas; step-brother Jeff Nelson; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

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  1. West Fargo ND
    Had only met her once and she left a wonderful impression. It was a very happy moment October 5TH 1982 she shared a room with my wife we had a boy and she had a girl. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. So young.

    It was such a happy moment that we all shared.

  2. Missouri Valley IowaSorry to hear of Charmaine’s passing. I know we have not kept in touch over the many years, but I still keep up with the news. My prayers go out to you and the girls…Michael

  3. Breckenridge MN
    Theresa & Angie-
    I am so sorry to hear of your Mothers passing! She will always be remembered for her great spirit and how much she loved you kids!
    May you all find comfort somewhere.
    Buffy

  4. Wheatland ND
    Jess, soooo sorry to hear about your Mom. Way too young to go. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
    By the way, I realized after I read about your Mom, that I had boarded Patches and Jasper at your parents North Moorhead location. I met and talked to your Mom and Dad when I checked out the boarding facility. Its a small world. Take care, if I can do anything for you, let me know. Peace…Brenda

  5. Oakland IaMy deepest sympathies to Charmaines family. I have fond memories of my trips to MN
    with Jamie to visit the family. I especially remember the Christmas time visits, Charmaine made that time of year so magical. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

    Cindi Lidgett

  6. Avon MN
    Charmaine was the mom I never had. She treated me as her own and for that I am forever thankful. I will love her forever.

  7. council bluffs iowaSo sorry to read about her passing. We were both from the same neighborhood and attended elementary, jr and sr highs together. Always one of the prettiest girls around, and was always fun to be around. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Ed kermoade

  8. Fargo North Dakota
    For the family of Charmaine, my late husband, David always spoke of all you, especially Charmaine. David brought home a little puppy from your farm, and I still have that baby, a black Chihuahua. Bailey is now 8 years old and as I look at him I think how much David loved talking about him to Charmaine and Lee.
    My thoughts are with the family at this sad time. Thinking of you!
    Peggy Faust

  9. Council Bluffs IowaDear Family of Charmaine,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Chamaine was such a nice girl. I only knew her from when she was a kid. I grew up with Debbie Nelson and my siblings grew up with Debbie Nelson’s siblings. I would be at Dot and Guy’s house with Debbie and it was always an interesting and fun time. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. So Sorry Kay Doty Shipley and Norma Doty Scislowicz

  10. Fargo ND
    I was shocked and saddened to see Charmaine had passed and my thoughts and prayers are with you all right now. She was a really nice, gracious and giving person. May God grant you all strength and peace at this sad time.

  11. Moorhead MN
    Oh Shantel…how my heart grieves for you over the loss of your mom. If she was at all like you, I have no doubts that she was a special woman! Please know that my heart is heavy for you and your family. I will be unable to attend the funeral on friday due to another committment I have that day…but my thoughts and prayers will be with you all. God’s peace to you and your family. With Sympathy and Prayers…Jolene Kowalski

  12. I was just thinking of Charmaine and Lee and everyone at the stables, so I thought that I would say Hello. What a shock to see that Charmaine passed away! But now, she is with the Lord, and she can ride and enjoy Heaven without any limitations. God bless you, Lee, and family. She will be missed!!! God bless! Shirley Rader


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