Life Story - Love of Music - Grandma Anna

Written Sat February 9th, 2008

What kind of music do you like?  Any memories associated with music?

"I like soft soothing music.  Piano -  violin - guitar played softly.  I detest rock music.  I love church hymns and the Tabernacle Choir and the Missionary Training Center Choir.  The Church Hymn books and Primary Song books have beautiful music. 

When Bill and I were dating he was a cowboy and rode Saddle Broncos and Bulls in rodeos.  A
t that time my favorite song was "Tennessee Waltz".  I didn't care for some of the works, but the music was and still is very beautiful. 
Many years ago I remember my mother and her aunt were asked to sing a duet at the Pioneer Day Programs.  My mother made a beautiful pioneer dress and I remember she looked so beautiful.  We didn't get to go, but they practiced before they left.  They sang "Moonlight on the River Colorado".  It was and still is beautiful. 
If a person is depressed or lonely or sic, music brings much comfort."

Life Story - Siblings - Grandma Anna

Written Friday, February 8th, 2008

Do you wish you had more sisters and brothers?

"No! I think 16 children was enough for one family.  We have a McCray family reunion every year on the 1st weekend in August in the mountains and most of the time they can't all come but those that do have a good time.  Bill and I would take Mike and Marc with us until they were out of high school and went away to college then on their missions.  Then we took Kurtis (Trisha's oldest son) one year and last year we took both Kurtis and Jon.  Now we have Kurtis ask almost every time I see him, when is the reunion.  We've had some good times and some not so good times.  But those will pass.  The same thing happened when we were growing up.  Some good, some bad.  The bad turned into my having compassion and love for the needy and affected.  So it was not all bad.  My only regret is that my mo9ther was brought up in a very religious family, we were not.  But how could she have had the time or energy to have gotten us all ready for church or prayer or scripture study or anything else.  She was a wonderful mother and I know the Lord and Heavenly Father loves her very much for bringing 16 spirits into this world.  I love the gospel - I love my family.  I love our reunions and our get -togethers."

Life Story - Testimony of the Gospel - Grandma Anna

Written Thursday, February 7, 2008

Write your testimony of life and the gospel.

In 1957 my husband joined the church and we have been active Latter Day Saints since that time.  Our lives made a 180 degree change.  I am so happy living the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It brings much happiness and joy to me to know that if I live worthy I will have my husband and children for eternity in the Celestial Kingdom with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ also.  I know that this life is the time for all of us to prepare to meet God.  I know this Gospel (The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints) is true.  It is Christ's church and again I am thankful we are members.

Life Story - Childhood Birthday - Grandma Anna

Written Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Describe a childhood birthday.

We did have birthday parties except with the family but Mother always made a cake which we loved.  The younger children were able to have birthday parties since they would invite their class members before my mother knew it.  It was funny.

Life Story - Birthday Party - Grandma Anna

Written Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Do you remember a special birthday party you have given or been to?

I always had nice birthday parties for my 3 children.  Linda's birthday is May 4th, Jim's is Oct 29th, and Matthew's, July 4th.  He always thought the flags that were put up across the streets were for his birthday.  They all always invited their whole class to their parties.  They all liked to play pin the tail on the donkey.  I always made a large cake and lots of punch and ice cream.  There was never any left but that was good.  Matthew passed away May 2nd, 1974 after 14 months of cancer and leukemia.  Jim passed away August 10, 2007 from gangrene in his foot that part of it got cut off., and cardiac arrest.  We still have Linda.

Life Story - College - Grandma Anna

Written February 4, 2008, Monday

Did you want to go to college or vocational school?  Did you?  Where?

I would liked to have gone to college but our town was so small there weren't jobs available and my family could never have had enough money to send 16 children to school.  But in later years I did take some college classes and some vocational schooling and became Apache County Assessor for 20 years.  I worked in the Assessor's office for 32 years, and 20 of those years I was elected Assessor.  It was a fun and challenging experience,  And I retired with good benefits.

Life Story - Autumn Day - Grandma Anna

Written Sunday, February 3, 2008

Describe the perfect autumn day.  What would you do on that day?

A perfect autumn day to me is the sun shining brightly.  The apricots golden.  The chrysanthemums, roses, and apples turn red.  With nothing much for me to do but sit and watch the beauty of the earth.

Life Story - Winter Day - Grandma Anna

Written Saturday, February 2nd, 2008

Describe the perfect winter day.  What would you do on that day?  Tell about an activity you had.

The only activity I could do on a winter day is stay by the stove and keep warm.  I'm always cold.  We used to make snowmen when I was young but at 69 that doesn't interest me anymore.

Life Story - Wedding Dress - Grandma Anna

Written Friday Feb 1, 2008

Describe your wedding dress, bridesmaid's dresses, etc...

I didn't have one nor bridesmaids but I made a beautiful wedding dress for my daughter (Linda) and one for my sister Kay made of lace she ordered from England.  I also made all of Linda's Bridesmaids dresses.  8 in all.

Life Story - Exciting Place - Grandma Anna

Written Thursday Jan. 31st, 2008

Where is the most exciting place  you have ever been?  What made it exciting?

The Temple in Mesa, Arizona.  It was exciting to know we could be a forever family.  The first time we went I didn't understand all of it because they didn't give Temple Prep Classes.  In fact no one mentioned the Temple.  I later learned the things that could be taught to new members going through for the first time.  I learned there are things not to be talked about.  Not because they were a secret but they are very sacred.

Life Story - Embarrassing - Grandma Anna

Back in the days when all women wore a girdle (fat or thin0 it was the fashion. I was in the Southwest Indian Mission with LaRue Waite, Aunt Elda Brown, and Jessie Mangum and Ruth Goodman.  We met every Saturday and Sunday with different branches on the reservation.  some with the Hopi Indians and some with the Navajo Indians.  On one visit we got to the building early and visited with the mission Presidency and their wives.  About the time for church to start I realized I needed to go to the ladies room so I hurried out.  The opening song was being sung and we were on the front row so down the isle I went and when I sat down the seas was cold and I realized my dress was inside my girdle and I had walked down the isle having everyone laughing.  I just think they all had compassion for me but it was still very embarrassing.  Very embarrassing.

Life Story - Favorites - Grandma Anna

Written February 29th, 2008

What are your favorite colors, flowers, food, hobbies, activities?

My favorite color used to be red but it has changed now to blue.  I have more than one favorite flower.  They are roses, daisies, hibiscus, peonies.  Because I am lactose and gluten intolerant my favorite foods have changed.  Now I like tacos, ground round with corn starch gravy and grilled fish and chicken.  I like Pinto Beans and baked potatoes.  I love to crochet, knit, and cross stitch on counted material.  Socials at the Concho Branch and Family gatherings and reunions.

Life Story - Father - Grandma Anna

Dexter Lee McCray 1918-1919 World War I

Written January 28, '08

Do you and your father share any interests?  Tell about your relationship.

No.  I was always afraid of my father.  There was never a closeness between us like there was with my mother.  I even think she was afraid of him.

Life Story - Animal - Grandma Anna

Written Sunday January 27, 2008

If you could be an animal, which one would you choose and why?

Mom, me, dog, Dad

 "I would choose to be a dog.  Because a dog is a mans best friend.  You can scold them, ignore them and they will always love and protect you even at the peril of their own life.

Life Story - Child Rearing - Grandma Anna

Written Saturday Jan 26th, 08

Tell about your parents' philosophy of raising kids, discipline, rules, etc,

"They mostly taught by example.  I was afraid of my dad.  My mother like her mother was a gentle, kind and loving person.  I don't remember ever being spanked or yelled at.  Not that I didn't need it, but that's just the way it was.  She was a wonderful seamstress and made all of our clothes from old things people game her for sewing for them.  With 16 children she couldn't spend all of her time disciplining."

Life Story - Old wive's Tales - Grandma Anna

Written Friday January 25, 2008

Tell about an old wives tale your mother told you.

"When I child is choking never pat them on the back, it will just lodge whatever they are choking on.  But our daughter,  Linda, was going to school in Tempe, Az.  She went during the week and came home Friday evening and went back Sunday evening.  She was learning to be a Dr's assistant and each time she came home she told me what she had learned.  She learned that when a child was choking you grab them by the feet and whirl them around as fast as you can for 3 times then put them on your knee and slap them on their back and the lodged piece will come out.  Mike was chocking.  He couldn't cry but was turning blue so I picked him up by his feet whirled him around 3 times, sat him on my knee and slapped him on his back and he started crying.  The bodged clock leg he had swallowed hit the wall.  I was grateful that Linda had just told me that."

Life Story - Courting - Grandma Anna

Written January 24, 2008

How did you become engaged to be married?

"I met Bill at a dance in the Sanders' High School Building.  Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys were playing.  I went with a friend, Myrna Jolley and her sister and Brother-in-law Delma and Nello Shreeve were our chaperones.  Bill was with some of the boys I went to school with, Casper Naegle, Chad Wilhelm, Ernie Hudson.  When we went to the door, Bill said I'm going to marry that girl that just came in the door.  they asked him if he knew me and he thought he had seen me before but he didn't know where so he said, "no but I'm going to marry her anyway."  We went together for 3 years and talked about what kind of ring I would like.  That's as close as he proposed.  We were married in Gallop, NM 10-28-50."

Life Story - Famous encounters - Grandma Anna

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

LaVern W. Parmley

Have you met any famous people?  Where, when, etc?


Sister Parmley, General President of Primary at a Primary Conference in Salt Lake.  She was personable and kind.  The date is not remembered but it was about 1959 or 1960.











 I met Miss America 1946 at my Uncle Wilford's place.  He was her body guard.  I was surprised to know they needed a body guard.  This was in Tuscon, Az.

Marilyn Buferd

President Monson and other apostles that came to conference.  He wasn't President at that time but was an apostle and came to Gallup to ordain Bill a High Priest and set him apart as 1st counselor to Bishop Stanley Shumway.

Thomas S Monson

McCray Family Portrait

Babe, Terry, Bill, Famie, Teed, Lorna, Phillip, Kay, Sibyl, Deck, Kathy, Deaton, Quentin, Hazel, Norma, Colleen, Correene, Anna

I am guessing that this photo was taken in 1943.  Some of the family was cut off.  I'm not sure if that is what happened during the taking, or the creating, or the copying.

In Memory of Wendel Douglas McCray

In Memory of Wendel Douglas McCray

Wendel Douglas “Teed” McCray passed away surrounded by his family March 9, 2013 in Mesa Arizona. He was born to Dexter and Euphemia McCray January 10, 1942 in St. Johns Az. He moved to Show Low where he worked and raised his family.

He was a loving Father and Husband who made us laugh.

He is survived by his wife, Ginger of nearly 49 years; children: January (Jamie), Heather, Clint, Famie, Samantha, Shadow (Cannon), Teirany (Jeffery);
grandchildren; Henrea, Mariah, Spencer, Zach, Caleb. He was preceded in death by his son, Spencer.

A visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 16,2013 at the Downtown Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 300 N 11th Street, Show Low, Arizona in Show Low with the funeral services to begin at 11:00 A.M. Burial will be at the Show Low Cemetery.

Facts

Born: January 10, 1942
Death: March 9, 2013
Place of Death: Banner Gardens Hospice
Occupation: Truckdriver

School -- Grandma Anna

Grandma says at the beginning of her memory book, "I'm late getting started with this but I realize the importance of it so I will begin and hope I can make each day a good one."
Describe a typical school day as a child in elementary school.
Written January 28th, 2008
"We always met outside where the flag was and said the pledge of allegiance.  We also had a prayer then we marched into class and began with reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic and other classes as we got older.  We also had mus9ic and band.  I always took music but our family could not afford an instruments.  We had a 20 minute recess both in the morning and in the afternoon.  Our school started at 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. We did go home for lunch.  the white kids went to the Pioneer School and the Mexican and Spanish went to the Coronado.  we all went together in High School.  We also sang Happy Birthday to those who had a birthday.

Grandma Anna's Life Story

Here is what I was asked to say at Grandma Anna's funeral.  My Great-Aunt Kay called and asked me the night before.  I used what things I could remember, and things I asked Bompa and others about.

"Grandma Anna was born Anna Louise McCray on 26th of October, 1928 to Dexter and Euphemia.  She was the 8th of 16 children.  She was very bright.  At the age of 4 she was allowed to start the first grade, for she was already reading.  She excelled in school.  She participated in Pep Squad, Girls Glee Club, Dramatics Club, and a Capella Choir.  She graduated in 1946.
She met "Bompa" at a dance in Sanders, where he vowed, "I'm gonna marry that girl."  They courted for 3 years and were married 28 of October 1950.  They lived in Adamana for maybe 2 years, until Bompa was drafted into the army.  Grandma went home with Linda, then on to Tuscon, where she did office work.  She came home after bompa was released from the army.  Bompa was hired at a ranch, but Grandma stayed because she was carrying my dad.  She moved down to the Ranch and they stayed there for 2 to 3 years.
Their house burned down when they lived at Crater Ranch.  They lost everything, but not their hope and gumption.
She started working for Apache County for 12 years prior to being elected as County Assessor for 20 years.  During that time she learned how to speak Navajo, so she could converse with those living on the reservation.
She is known for her church service as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Grandma has served int he Primary, Young Women's Association, and Relief Society, as well as the Ward Chorister.  She served for 18 years in the Concho Branch with her sweetheart, Bompa.
I remember making Prayer Rocks with her.  She taught me how to bottle fruit, make jam, and tried to teach me how to make rolls.
Grandma is patriot.  She road in many parades.
Grandma loved family history.  She would tell us stories about family members and make them feel more real to us.
Grandma is musical.  She sang in the ward choir and played the piano beautifully.
Grandma is crafty.  She taught us grand kids how to quilt, crochet, do bead work, draw and paint, do cross stitch, needle point, and ceramics.
Grandma lived by and taught the motto "Use it up, Wear it out, Make it do, Or do without."
Grandma is survived by her sweet heart Bill, her daughter Linda.  Siblings Terry, Phillip, Colleen, Correnne, Kay, and Kathy.  Her Grandchildren Suzanne, Mandy, Kris, Lori, Garrick, Brandon, Trisha, Brian, Jason, Marcus, Michael.  Great-Grandchildren Elyse, Julia, Ari, Jayden, Katia, Delta, Emma, Michael, Kandace, Hailey, Shelby, Megan, Savannah, Ethan, Dustin, Meranda, Makenzie, Marlee, Brooke, Clay, Corbin, Cagern, Paxtyon, Kimber, Harper, Cheyenne, Kurtis, Johnathan, Annastatia, Kortnie, Graham, Liana, Emmit, Kaitlyn.  And her Great-Great-Granddaughter Addison."

McCray Family