Delores M. Wray

DELORES MAE WRAY (GROSS) Age 95 November 10, 1924 - October 21, 2020 Delores “Dee” Wray – of Omaha, Nebraska – peacefully passed away Wednesday, October 21st, with several loving family members present at her home in Bennington, Nebraska. This middle daughter of Peter C. and Mary L. (Loos) Gross was born in Lincoln, Nebraska. As a youngster, she enjoyed playing neighborhood sports (softball and football), going to church with her parents and sisters, and learning to cook! After graduating from North High School in 1942, she began her career with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company as an Information Operator. Dee met Robert B. (Bob) Wray in August of 1947 at an American Legion dance in Omaha, Nebraska – and this became Dee’s favorite story to continue telling throughout her long life. The two of them married five years later in May of 1952 in a small house ceremony at her sister Bette’s home on Whitmore Avenue. By this time, Nephews Tim and Jamie as well as Nieces Jody and Gay had been born. Dee delighted in their births and in babysitting them many times over. Soon thereafter, daughter Nancy Dee and son Steven Robert were born. Dee was proud to welcome Niece Janet and Nephews Marty and “Skip” to the clan as well. As a young mother, Dee stayed home with her children. She lovingly sewed many garments for the females in the family – including identical mother/daughter dresses for Nancy and herself as well as for Bette and Gay! The Wray nieces also enjoyed identical outfits she sewed for them and Nancy. After moving to the Newport Avenue home, she worked well in selling wigs and World Books when her children were a bit older. She and Bob progressed to work in the real estate business from this home! Dee became an expert sales-closer, as they both navigated new listings and open houses. She enjoyed working within the North Side Christian Church kitchen while preparing special huge meals with her fellow church women! Dee often performed in the church’s talent shows, doing her now-famous headstands – which she also loved to share later on with Nancy’s “dates”. Although Dee was a rather quiet person, she revealed her super sense of humor while nurturing her young granddaughters (Mikayla, Morganne, and Lauren) within her loving home. She also treated their cousin, Stephanie, as one of her own grandchildren! Later on, she further provided care for Bob’s mother and hers. Dee’s life included vacations to the Denver mountains as well as to Las Vegas and Oklahoma. After many years at their home on Newport Avenue in Omaha, Dee and Bob moved to Camdenton, Missouri – The Ozarks – where they made many friends for seventeen years! Their children and grandchildren were able to enjoy various visits with them there, while swimming and boating in the nearby lake. Dee and Bob moved back to Omaha to live with son Steve and daughter-in-law Rose - where they had wonderful times. She will be greatly missed by her family and many treasured friends. A private burial will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family Braman Mortuary - Southwest Chapel 6505 S. 144 St. Omaha, NE 68137 402-895-3400