Ashtabula, OH - Leah Mae Gray, 94, of Ashtabula, passed away peacefully with her sister Ellen, and her family by her side on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Ashtabula County Nursing Home.

She was born on February 24, 1932, at the home of her Uncle Wilbert and Aunt Alberta Dain in Pierpont, Ohio, the beloved daughter of the late Wesley "Happy" Kay and Wilma Cecelia (Waite) Dain. Leah was a graduate of Pierpont High School, Class of 1950. On March 21, 1955, she married the love of her life, Charles "Chuck" Gray, at the Pierpont Presbyterian Church. Together, they shared 45 wonderful years of marriage and built a beautiful life, and homes, in Jefferson and Ashtabula before his passing on May 29, 2000.

Leah was a trailblazer. She dedicated many years of her career to Union Carbide, where her work ethic led her to become the company's first female payroll executive. Straightforward in her words and actions, independent, and fiercely generous, Leah was a true philanthropist who donated countless hours, resources, and funds to her community, particularly the Ashtabula County Senior Center along with her contributions to Lights on the Lake in memory of her son. Her contribution included an installation of a man water skiing while being pulled by a boat. This was a lasting tribute to her son, Duane.

Her life was rich with social connections and service. She held many leadership offices with the Order of the Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Matron and was a dedicated member of the Zonta Club of Ashtabula. She was also a proud member of the Sam Wharram Nature Club as she enjoyed watching birds and hummingbirds.

Leah loved to socialize, play cards, paint, crochet, read, and trips to the casino. She was an avid traveler who made friends wherever she went, whether spending winters in Florida and Arizona with Chuck, taking trips to Canada via Lake Erie, or visiting Europe where she saw the markings of the Berlin Wall. She loved spending time at their Roaming Rock Shores cottage.

She is survived by her loving sister and best friend, Ellen (Bob) Weir; grandson, Paul Gray; former daughter-in-law, Tania Miller; and her cherished nieces and nephews: Denise Blanton Rouse, Carol Blanton Boughton, Carl Blanton Jr., Gary Weir, Teresa (Weir) Miller, Jay Dain, and JoEllen (Weir) Park.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Gray; her son, Duane Gray, of whom she was extremely proud; her sister, Doris (Carl) Blanton; her brother, Paul (Kay Brillant) Dain; and her parents.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 12PM at Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 W. Prospect Rd., Ashtabula. Calling hour will be held from 11AM until the time of service at 12PM. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery in Jefferson.

The family extends their most heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Ashtabula County Nursing Home (especially nurses Felicia, Tiffany, Donna, and Jessica) and the Hospice team (nurse Alice, Jodi, and volunteer Doris) for their tender, compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Reserve Care Hospice, 1166 Lake Ave, Ashtabula, OH 44004.

Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 W. Prospect Rd., Ashtabula is handling arrangements. Online obituary and condolences at www.ducro.com