Jean M. Bray

Jean Marie Bray, 81, of Bancroft, Nebraska died on Thursday, August 15, 2013 at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa. Per Jean’s wish, private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to First Presbyterian Church and the Bancroft Senior Center. Jean was born on December 24, 1931 in Creighton, Nebraska, the daughter of Ralph and Minnie (Whaley) Peterson. She graduated from Lyons High School in 1949. On December 8, 1951, Jean was united in marriage to Elton Bray in West Point, Nebraska. To this union three children were born: Randall, Nathan and Gail. She loved working at the Bancroft Roller Skating Rink, the Bancroft Schools Kitchen and sold Avon for many years. Jean enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, baking, sewing, crocheting, square dancing and traveling. She was an active member of the Nebraska Rural Letter Carriers’ Auxiliary, Order of the Eastern Star, American Legion Auxiliary and First Presbyterian Church in Bancroft. Jean served for many years on the Bancroft Township Election Board and was a volunteer for the Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts. Jean is survived by her husband Elton of Bancroft, children and their spouses: Randall (Diana) Bray of Grandview, MO, Nathan (Lori) Bray of Pender, NE and Gail (Mark) McCorkindale of Wayne, NE; her grandchildren: Jasmine (Shaun) Brandt of Independence, MO, Kayla (Nathan) Gossage of Lee Summit, MO, Brandon Bray of Wayne, NE, Aubrey (Hunter) Samuels of Omaha, NE, Hannah, Sydney and Braydn McCorkindale of Wayne, NE; step grandchildren Heather Adams and Chris Abbey and two great grandchildren Quincy and Haylee Brandt. Jean is also survived by her siblings: Betty Rish of Guthrie, OK, Lola (Harry) Persson of West Point, NE, Joyce Taylor of Omaha, NE, Lee Roy “Mike” (Marsha) Peterson of Shelbyville, IL, Neal (Sue) Peterson of Eagle, NE and Mark (Leora) Peterson of Gretna, NE and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Donald and Larry “Pokey” Peterson.