Vera M. (Carlson) Wray

Feb. 3, 1910 - May 3, 2009

TRENTON -- Vera M. (Carlson) Wray died Sunday, May 3, 2009, at El Dorado Nursing Home in Trenton. She was 99 years old.

Vera was born Feb. 3, 1910, on the family farm south of Stratton to French and Lena M. (Kisling) Carlson. She attended a one-room country school through eighth grade.

On Oct. 28, 1938, she was united in marriage to James "Jim" C. Wray in McCook. They began their married life on a farm near Dighton, Kan., and then moved to Vera's family farm in 1944, southwest of Trenton. To this union three daughters were born.

They retired from farming in 1989. Following Jim's death in 1992, Vera made her home at Grand View Retirement Center in Stratton until moving to El Dorado Manor in Trenton in 2000.

In the early years of her life with Jim, on the farm southwest of Trenton, Vera was a member of the rural McCabe Church where she served as a Sunday school teacher. Later, after the rural church closed, she became a member of the Trenton Congregational United Church of Christ. Her deep faith in God was a real strength throughout her lifetime.

She was also a member of the Benkelman Holly Chapter, Order of Eastern Star. She volunteered as a 4-H Leader for many years.

She was recognized for her delicious chicken and noodles, homemade bread and cherry pie as well as her quick wit and sense of humor. She took pride in preparing meals for the Rotary. When she was not in the kitchen, you could find her in her vegetable and flower garden.

Preceding her in death were her parents, French and Lena Carlson; her husband, Jim Wray; infant daughter, Judy; three brothers, Floyd, Charlie and Willis; sisters-in-law, Etta and Lois; and son-in-law, Wayne Madsen.

Survivors include her two daughters, Jan and husband, Jerry Williams and Jean Madsen, all of Trenton; sister-in-law, Effie Carlson of McCook; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Memorials may be given in her name to the United Church of Christ in Trenton.

Visitation will be today and Thursday from 9 p.m. until 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friends may send condolences to www.carpenterbreland.com.

Funeral services will be Saturday, May 9, 2009, 2 p.m., at the Trenton Congregational United Church of Christ with Pastor Fay Ann Blaylock officiating. Burial will be in the Stratton cemetery.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.